Why is using rubber mulch a problem in playgrounds?
Rubber mulch is made up of ground-up used rubber tires that in some states are considered a “hazardous waste” and in other states they are considered a “special waste.” Whichever the case, used rubber tires are certainly not a material that children should play on. Why is rubber playground mulch a serious problem? Rubber mulch gets extremely hot in warm weather. The heat causes the toxins in the rubber tire mulch to outgas and become an exposure for the children who play on it. As well, the heat component of hot rubber is very hard for young children to tolerate. Some of the chemicals that can be found in rubber tires are: Benzene: Carcinogen, Developmental Toxicant, Reproductive Toxicant Phtalates: Suspected Developmental Toxicant, Endocrine Toxicant, Reproductive Toxicant PAHs: Suspected Cardiovascular or Blood Toxicant, Gastrointestinal or Liver Toxicant, Reproductive Toxicant ,Respiratory Toxicant, Manganese: Gastrointestinal or liver toxicants Carbon Black: Carcinogen Latex: Cause
