Last Updated:
Climbers often find black particles on their shoes while gripping a boulder. These toxic bits come from tyre-like rubber and release harmful gases
The popularity of indoor rock climbing has surged, not just for mountaineering practice but also as a fitness activity. (News18 Hindi)
A recent study has raised alarms over potential health risks linked to indoor rock climbing. While mountain climbing is a passion demanding strength and discipline, the growing popularity of indoor training, especially in schools across hilly regions, is now under scrutiny.
According to new research, the artificial climbing walls, often used for skill-building in enclosed spaces, may pose unexpected health hazards. The findings have sparked fresh concerns about the safety of these indoor environments.
A Daily Mail report suggested that the rubber soles of climbing shoes wear down during the activity, releasing toxic chemicals into the air. These chemicals are alarmingly dangerous, capable of dissolving in the air and being inhaled into the lungs, potentially leading to severe health issues, including lung cancer. The report highlights that these chemicals in the shoe soles can cause lung inflammation, organ damage, respiratory diseases and certain types of cancer.
Researchers from the University of Vienna have found that the pollution levels in some indoor climbing gyms could be comparable to those in the world’s most polluted cities. They emphasise the importance of adequate ventilation in gyms, especially those where the rubber soles of shoes are likely to wear out. Without proper ventilation, these harmful chemicals can linger in the air, posing significant health risks to gym-goers.
In recent years, the popularity of indoor rock climbing has surged, not just for mountaineering practice but also as a fitness activity. This trend is growing rapidly in both Western and Asian countries. However, concerns extend beyond rock climbing, with other outdoor activities being adapted for indoor gyms.
Anya Shermin, the author of the study, notes that many climbers might notice black particles sticking to their shoes while gripping a boulder. These particles are toxic, originating from the same chemicals used in car tyres. The harmful gases released during the manufacturing of roads are also emitted from this rubber. While such gases disperse outdoors, they remain trapped in indoor settings, making the environment particularly hazardous.
The study underscores the necessity of ensuring proper ventilation in gyms to mitigate the risks associated with these toxic emissions, safeguarding the health of individuals who engage in indoor climbing and other fitness activities.
- First Published:
