Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
By Compiled by Times staff writer
© St. Petersburg Times, published October 30, 2000
From a press release issued by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers in New York. The organization, which represents 57,000 chemical engineers worldwide, "applies the expertise of its members to . . . improve the quality of life for people throughout the world."
-- Mike Wilson, Floridian editor
Halloween and chemical engineers!
The Perfect Team for a Safe & Spooky Halloween 2000
New York -- As the nation's children get ready to "trick or treat" their way to a spook-tacular Halloween 2000, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) would like parents to know that this festive holiday wouldn't be quite the same without the help of chemical engineers. . . .
Here are just a few . . . Halloween innovations developed by chemical engineers:
Light reflecting Halloween costumes -- "Better to see you with, my dear!"
Flame retardant costumes
Glow-in-the-dark light sticks -- To make trick or treaters more visible to motorists
Tamper-proof plastic packaging for candies and other treats
Bright orange plastic jack-o'-lanterns Long life batteries for safety flashlights -- Let there be light!
Hypo-allergenic makeup -- Great for spooky face painting
Nylon brooms -- improved transportation for 21st century witches and goblins
Wrinkle-free sheets for "friendly ghosts'
"Unfortunately," adds (AIChE president Bruce) Finlayson, "chemical engineers have yet to develop a way to improve the chemistry between "tricksters' and "treaters.' But we're working on that!"