Pink snowmen? Buffalo snow dyed in demo mishap

[February 04, 2010]  BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) -- Some snow in a Buffalo neighborhood turned a deep shade of pink after a cloud of powder was released during demolition of a business that used to make food coloring.

As surprised parents and pet owners wondered whether to ban outdoor play, state health and environmental officials collected samples.

A demolition contractor said a pipe that contained about five pounds of residual red dye No. 40 ruptured at a building being torn down near the former Buffalo Color plant Thursday afternoon. John Yensan of Ontario Specialty Contracting says powder was carried by the wind across homes, cars and streets.

Authorities said the dye didn't appear to pose a health problem.

A water truck was sent in to clean up.

___

Information from The Buffalo News: http://www.buffalonews.com/

[Associated Press]

Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.