A recent study by the University of Vienna and the ETH Lausanne came to a worrying result: The rubber abrasion of climbing shoes in climbing halls releases fine particles that contain potentially harmful chemicals – and in concentrations that are sometimes even more polluted than the air on busy streets.
The research team led by Anya Sherman and Professor Thilo Hofmann examined the composition of climbing shoe soles and discovered that many of the additives and chemicals used are identical to those found in car tires. The soles are designed to be flexible and grippy—but these very properties cause them to wear down heavily while climbing.
Invisible danger: Fine particles in the hall air
When climbing and bouldering, climbing shoe soles are known to rub against holds and wall structures. When climbing indoors, this results in microscopic particles accumulating in the air.
The particles are so fine that they can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract – right into the lungs.
Using a special measuring device called an impinger, the researchers collected air samples from several Viennese bouldering gyms. The analysis showed that the particles are so fine that they can penetrate deep into the respiratory tract—even into the lungs.
Anya Sherman and Professor Thilo Hofmann present the results
Particularly alarming: The concentration of these rubber-based chemicals in some gyms was even higher than at busy intersections. "This surprised us," says Anya Sherman, "because you'd expect a healthy environment for sports."
Health risks and lack of regulation
The inhaled particles carry the chemicals contained in the rubber. Depending on their size, they can settle in the throat, bronchi, or deep in the lungs. The long-term health effects have been largely unexplored, but many of the additives used are suspected of causing respiratory irritation or other health problems.
The long-term health consequences have so far been little researched.
It is astonishing that there are currently no legal regulations regulating the use of such chemicals in climbing shoes – even though their abrasion and the associated stress in indoor climbing halls are virtually inevitable.
What can halls and manufacturers do?
The good news: Many climbing gyms are already responding, implementing more frequent cleaning and improved ventilation to reduce exposure to rubber abrasion and magnesium dust. However, the researchers emphasize that the real responsibility lies with the manufacturers. They should reconsider the material composition of their products and develop safer alternatives.
That might interest you
- New climbing holds in Hachioji: Dangerous & unfair?
- Improve your shoulder stability
- Common trail running injuries and how to prevent them
+ + +
Credits: Cover picture University of Vienna