Overview

• A study published in ACS ES&T Air reveals that airborne rubber additives in bouldering gyms can reach concentrations comparable to urban smog on multi-lane roads.
• Researchers identified 6PPD, a rubber stabilizer linked to environmental harm, among 15 chemicals found in climbing shoe abrasion particles.
• The study utilized impingers to simulate human respiratory intake, collecting air samples from gyms across Europe, including Austria, France, Spain, and Switzerland.
• Gym operators have expressed strong interest in mitigating risks through improved ventilation, cleaning protocols, and reducing peak occupancy times.
• Scientists are advocating for stricter regulations on climbing shoe materials to reduce harmful emissions and protect climbers’ health, particularly for sensitive groups like children.