Toxic air in climbing halls: rubber abrasion endangers health!

Toxic air in climbing halls: rubber abrasion endangers health!

climbing halls and bouldering rooms are increasingly experiencing problems with their air quality, which is not only caused by high fine dust pollution as a result of Magnesia, the white powder using climbers. A current study, published in the specialist journal "Environmental Science and Technology Air", highlights another, less known factor: the rubber abrasion of climbing shoes. According to Kleine Zeitung, researchers from the University of Vienna and the ETH Lausanne have found that this abrasion has a significant impact on the air in climbing halls and are therefore also on the dangerous fine dust parts contributes.

climbing shoes, which are optimized for both their hold and for their longevity, contain chemical additives that can potentially be harmful to humans and the environment. In an examination, 15 different additives were discovered in 30 climbing shoes, including Benzothiazole (BTZ) and the Stabilizer 6ppd. These chemicals can cover health risks, but the long -term effects of which are still unclear. Professor Thilo Hofmann, who is involved in the research, warns that the loads in climbing halls are comparable to those on heavily used roads in mega -cities, which is particularly noticeable in halls with many climbers.

fine dust pollution and their dangers

The fine dust values ​​in climbing halls in Austria and Switzerland achieve alarming values ​​of around 1,000 micrograms per cubic meter of air, as high concentrations as they are measured in traffic zones in China. These particles are not only uncomfortable, they can also cause serious health risks, including an increased risk of cancer. Movements to improve air quality are essential, especially in view of the security of particularly protective groups such as toddlers and people with previous illnesses.

In order to minimize health risks, specialists such as the German Alpine Association (DAV) recommend the climbing hall operators to rely on improved ventilation and cleaning systems and to avoid peak times. An example of advanced measures shows the climbing hall in Weilheim, which has already implemented special ventilation systems.

need for action for manufacturers and operators

The operators of the climbing halls have signaled a growing interest in improving air quality due to the impressive results of the study. The manufacturers of climbing shoes are required to develop lower sole materials in order to reduce the effects of rubber abrasion on the air quality. The problem of rubber abrasion and its effects on the breathing climate has been observed since 2008, but only now that the latest studies have been put into focus - a development that affects both climbers and the operators of the halls.

Overall, it becomes clear that a combination of improved technology, conscious choice of materials and regular maintenance is necessary to secure the air quality in climbing halls and to minimize health risks. Further results on the toxic solutions of the upper material and its loads are published in autumn, which should give additional information about the problem. For more information, please visit Orf Tirol.