Playground Peril: Rubber Surfaces Linked to 10-Fold Cancer Risk in Children

A recent video highlights alarming findings regarding the safety of rubber mulch and poured rubber surfacing commonly used in playgrounds. According to the presenter, studies indicate that children exposed to these materials face an approximately 10 times higher risk of cancer compared to those playing on uncovered soil. The video explains that the primary concern is not ingestion of the rubber, but rather the inhalation of dust containing toxic chemicals and dermal exposure. These chemicals, including benzene, arsenic, styrene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), lead, zinc, cadmium, chromium, VOCs, phthalates, crystalline silica, and latex, can leach from the rubber. The presenter cites a 2013 incident where a Korean Community Church in New Jersey paid over $6,200 for recycled rubber mulch, only for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection to alert them two years later about hazardous substances found on the property. The cleanup cost nearly $250,000. Despite industry claims of non-toxicity, often referencing outdated studies, the video emphasizes the ongoing lack of comprehensive regulation. Even a multi-agency study commissioned by the EPA and CDC, though unfinished, raised exposure concerns, advising precautions such as avoiding mouth contact with surfaces, not eating or drinking on playgrounds, limiting time on hot days, and washing hands and changing clothes after visits. This underscores the serious, unregulated nature of these materials in children's play areas.

The Cool Down

one month ago

Expert issues urgent warning about common playground material: 'Something that …

In a TikTok video, Beatrice the Anti-Plastic Lady explained that the rubber mulch and poured rubber surfaces on playgrounds increase cancer risks by …