Climbing shoes pollute the air in the gyms: they release toxic micro-particles that can damage the lungs, especially in the most exposed workers: a new study discovered it
A recent study conducted by a team of researchers from the University of Vienna has revealed a source of pollution so far unsuspected: the climbing shoes. These accessories, fundamental to guarantee adherence during the activity, They release rubber particles that end up in the air and come inhaled from those who frequent the structures. The phenomenon concerns in particular the Bouldering gyms (climbing on boulders, natural or artificial), widespread in Europe and increasingly popular also in Italy.
Analyzing the air quality in Nine gyms in Austria, France, Spain and Switzerlandscholars found the presence of worrying levels of chemical compounds derived from rubber (RDCS)many of which associated with health problems. Among these stands out the 6ppdan additive used to preserve the rubber, whose degradation produces a toxic substance already connected to the Moria di Salmon in the rivers. Another identified compound is the benzotiazolea substance that previous studies have associated with an increase in risk of bladder cancer in the workers exposed in the long term.
Employees subjected to a higher exposure of those who live near very busy roads
Pollution does not derive from panels or mattresses: it is the continuous rubbing of the soles on the supports to generate particles. Sportsmen, in an attempt to improve the grip, often clean the sockets with their hands, involuntarily contributing to the dispersion of microplastics in the air.
The Health consequences They are not yet completely known, but studies on animals and on high exposure populations indicate risks for lungs, inflammation and potential bodies damage. The most exposed categories are the Gym employeeswhich spend many hours a day in the contaminated environment. The analyzes have shown that their daily exposure can even be higher than that of those who live near very busy roads or industrial plants.
According to the authors, it is fundamental act in a preventive way: improve the ventilationadopt More effective cleaning systems and rethink the composition of the soles They are possible interventions. It is not a question of abandoning climbing, as the researchers point out, but of making this sport more and more secure for everyone. With the exponential growth of bouldering, the time has come to take the indoor pollution caused by technical shoes seriously.
