“Invisible Footprint” from Toxic Rubber Abrasion
A recent study conducted by the University of Vienna and ETH Lausanne has revealed that fine dust pollution in climbing and bouldering gyms has reached “concerning levels”. A report by the Technical University of Darmstadt confirms that these levels “are comparable to those found in industrial workplaces exposed to high levels of dust”. This pollution is primarily caused by the abrasion of climbing shoe soles and can be up to a thousand times higher than on heavily trafficked highways, even “surpassing the fine dust levels faced by road workers in overcrowded Chinese cities”.
The current findings are not entirely surprising: They “are based on fine dust measurements from 2008, which already documented high pollution levels in climbing halls”. At the time, measurements from “several halls across Germany showed values exceeding the fine dust limits for outdoor air”, which have now been reaffirmed.
Photos: Jonathan J Castellon Yns PLT von Unsplash
Causes and Health Impacts
The fine dust in climbing gyms results from the abrasion of rubber soles on climbing shoes and the use of magnesium powder. The soles are made “from the same material as car tires, packed with additives that are potentially harmful to health”. Magnesium carbonate, used to prevent sweaty hands and improve grip, is also problematic as “the fine white powder generates fine dust particles”.
Exercising or engaging in physical activity in environments with high air pollution, such as elevated fine dust levels, can “do more harm than good” and negatively affect the cardiovascular system. These particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and cause long-term health damage, as they can “enter the bloodstream through the alveoli and reach other organs. In the heart and blood vessels, they cause chronic inflammation, which can lead to arteriosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes. The smallest fine dust particles can even cross the blood-brain barrier and trigger inflammation in the brain”, according to the German Center for Cardiovascular Research (Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung e. V., DZHK). Infants and children, being particularly vulnerable, should not spend extended periods in climbing hallls.
Analyses show that improving air quality can significantly enhance athletic performance, which is particularly beneficial for professional athletes. Philipp Flößel, a sports scientist at TU Dresden, emphasizes: “Good air quality is crucial for athletes’ performance. Studies show that clean air can greatly improve recovery and performance.”
Photos: Bradley Dunn & Roya Ann Miller von Unsplash
Innovative and Cost-Effective Solutions by Green City Solutions
Green City Solutions offers a sustainable solution to reduce fine dust pollution in both outdoor and indoor environments with moss-based biofilters. These innovative natural air filters and coolers can reduce fine dust concentrations by up to 82%, while being more cost-effective than traditional air purification systems. The improved air quality not only benefits athletes’ health but also enhances their well-being and performance.
Moreover, thanks to the integrated moss modules, the biofilters create a true forest-air oasis, bringing nature into urban environments (and climbing halls), delivering a real outdoor feeling indoors. This significantly enhances the experience for outdoor athletes, adding an emotional element to the physical activity. Additionally, the fresh air zones, equipped with a 75″ display, can provide gyms with the ability to showcase information such as new offers or other important updates. Integrated into the refreshing and sustainable climAD outdoor advertising network, the spots reach up to 3.8 million contacts while also cleaning over 4,000 liters of fine-dust-polluted air during a 10-second ad display. Installing moss-based fresh air zones not only offers health benefits but is also a cost-effective investment, requiring only a fraction of the cost of constructing a new hall.
Photos: GCS
If you’re interested in learning more about these sustainable solutions and how they can improve the air quality and overall experience in your bouldering or climbing gym, feel free to contact us!