Rubber chippings, also known as rubber mulch or rubber granules, are popular for surfacing outdoor spaces such as playgrounds and athletic fields. However, there have been concerns about whether they are more toxic than wood chippings, especially for children’s playgrounds, which is completely understandable.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the safety of rubber chippings, including their composition, potential risks, and best practices for use.
How are Rubber Chippings made?
Rubber chippings are made from recycled tyres that have been shredded into small pieces. This process helps to reduce waste, and provides a more environmentally-friendly option for surfacing outdoor spaces.
Whilst the rubber the chippings are made from may contain trace amounts of chemicals, studies have shown that the levels of these chemicals in rubber chippings are so small that they do not post a risk to the health of adults or children.
Potential Risks of Rubber Chippings
While the risks associated with rubber chippings are relatively low, there are some potential concerns to be aware of. One issue is that rubber chippings can become hot in direct sunlight, this can be mitigated in a few different ways; by choosing lighter-coloured chippings, by mixing them with other materials or by installing a covering to keep the area shaded.
Another concern we hear regularly is whether the rubber chippings will release a lot of dust or small particles that could be inhaled. This can be easily resolved with regular rinsing and maintenance and will keep dust and debris to a minimum.
Finally, there are concerns about the potential for rubber chippings to leach chemicals into the environment over time. However, studies have shown that any leaching is minimal, and does not pose a significant risk to the surrounding ecosystem.
Best Practices for Using Rubber Chippings
Our best practices if you have or are considering rubber chippings include:
Choosing a reputable supplier: Ensure that your supplier meets all relevant safety and quality standards and that their chippings have been tested for potential risks.
Maintaining the surface: Regularly remove any debris or dust from the chippings to reduce the potential for inhalation. It’s also important to ensure that the chippings are not compacted or worn down, as this can reduce their impact-absorbing properties.
Providing adequate drainage: Rubber chippings can absorb moisture, leading to mould or other issues. Make sure that the surface has adequate drainage to prevent any water build-up.
Ensuring proper installation: Follow guidelines for installation, including the recommended depth of the chippings for the intended use.
Are Rubber Chippings Safe for Children?
Rubber chippings are designed for use in high-traffic areas – typically in children’s playgrounds – to cushion falls and provide a soft and springy surface to run around and play on. For this reason, we can guarantee that the rubber chippings we use at Professional Rubber Surfaces are designed with children in mind, making them a great and safe edition for installation in any play area. Our rubber chippings are shock absorbent, slip resistant, and durable, as well as being made from non-toxic materials and harmful chemicals.
However, it’s important to understand that other manufacturers and companies may not be able to guarantee this, so if you’re going with a team other than our professionals at Professional Rubber Surfaces for your playground surface, make sure you do your research!
Great Things About Rubber Mulch
Rubber mulch is a type of landscaping material made from recycled rubber, typically from used tyres. It is gaining popularity as an alternative to traditional wood mulch, and for good reason. Here are some great things about rubber mulch:
Longevity: Rubber mulch lasts much longer than traditional wood mulch. It doesn’t break down as quickly, meaning you won’t need to replace it as often.
Low maintenance: Rubber mulch requires very little maintenance. You won’t need to rake it or replace it as often as you would with traditional wood mulch.
Pest resistant: Unlike wood mulch, rubber mulch is pest resistant. It won’t attract insects, rodents, or other pests that can damage your plants.
Weed suppression: Rubber mulch helps suppress weeds, saving you time and effort in weeding your garden.
Safe for pets: Rubber mulch is safe for pets to walk on and won’t harm them if they ingest it. This is especially important if you have curious pets who like to explore your garden.
Environmentally friendly: Rubber mulch is made from recycled tyres, which helps to reduce waste and promote sustainability.
Moisture retention: Rubber mulch helps to retain moisture in your garden, which can be especially beneficial during periods of drought.
Overall, rubber mulch is a great choice for landscaping and gardening. It is long-lasting, low maintenance, pest resistant, weed suppressing, safe for pets, environmentally friendly, and helps retain moisture.
Contact Professional Rubber Surfaces
Rubber chippings can be a safe and effective option for surfacing outdoor spaces, providing impact absorption, durability, and low maintenance. While some potential risks are associated with their use, following best practices for installation and maintenance can help mitigate these concerns. If you are still concerned about the safety of rubber chippings, there are several alternative options to consider that can provide a safe and environmentally friendly surface for your outdoor space. By considering the composition, risks, benefits, and alternative options to rubber chippings, you can make an informed decision about the best choice for your needs.
To learn more about our fantastic range of rubber mulch and rubber chippings check out our blog highlighting everything you need to know now! Or browse our website and get in touch if you want further information.