Some equipment are less toxic than others. Let’s talk materials and Playground toxicity.

Introduction

Let’s take a look at the materials used in making playgrounds, like metal, plastic, wood, ropes, textiles, and rubber, and understand their role in playground toxicity and the health risks that come with them. This will help you pick and choose the safest playground for your kids. We will talk about what to watch out for with each material, so you can feel confident and not worried when your kids are playing. We’ll also give you some tips and you can use this as a practical check-list on what to avoid and what to look for, to make sure playtime is safe and fun. Let’s start learning about these common playground materials and their issues.

Every material have multiple ways of treating, processing , finishing and maintaining. When we touch, slide on, or simply breathe near them, we are exposed to various materials. Due to their composition, they may pose risks that can impact us. From the time they are installed until they reach the end of their lifespan, these materials can present ongoing threats to our health and safety.

Playground toxicity is no joke, and there is no perfect solution. However the right choices will noticeably reduce potential harm. Trusting regulations and industry guidelines offer the greatest help.

Let’s dive in and learn about the most common issues.

Basic Materials

Metals

• Alloy Components: Some people may have allergic reactions to certain metals Alloys, which are mixtures of metals. They may contain elements like nickel used to prevent corrosion which cause health risks resulting in skin rashes or dermatitis.

• Toxicity from Metals: Exposure to metals like lead, mercury, or arsenic can lead to serious health problems. Exposure can affect the nervous system, digestive system, immune system, and lungs.

• Corrosion: Certain metals can corrode, and the resulting compounds may be harmful. For instance, rust (iron oxide) can cause tetanus if a rusty object breaks the skin.

• Cadmium Exposure: Found in some alloys and coatings, cadmium can cause kidney damage and is a known carcinogen.

• Aluminum: Although aluminum is generally considered safe, high exposure levels can lead to neurological problems.

• Battery Exposure: Batteries contain metals like lithium, cadmium, or lead. Leakage of batteries can lead to exposure to these toxic substances.

• Skin Contact: Some people may experience contact dermatitis from handling metals. For instance, chromium in stainless steel might cause skin irritation.

• Sharp Edges: Physical injury from sharp edges or points is another risk, especially with scrap metal.

Wood:

Wood has been around with us as a building material for a very long time. We have learned to work with it splendidly. However, different qualities of wood, finishes, surfaces and treatments that may benefit durability or looks, may come with other disadvantages.

• Splinters: Physical injury from splinters can lead to infections if not properly treated.

• Allergies: Certain types of wood can cause allergic reactions or respiratory issues, especially in people with asthma or allergies.

• Chemical Treatments: Treated wood may contain chemicals like arsenic or creosote, which can be harmful if inhaled or ingested.

• Chemical Preservatives: Although pressure-treated wood is a popular option, it may be a large contributor to playground toxicity. Some harmful chemicals absorbed during treatment, are chromated copper arsenate (CCA), which pose a risk if inhaled or ingested. Chemicals used in wood treatment, like pentachlorophenol, can be toxic, causing skin and respiratory irritation and potentially impacting liver function.

• Fungal Spores in Wood: Moldy wood can release spores that, when inhaled, may cause respiratory problems or allergic reactions.

• Insecticides and Herbicides in Wood: Wood used in gardens or outdoor settings might be treated with insecticides and herbicides, which can be harmful if inhaled or ingested.

• Pressure-Treated Wood Risks: Older pressure-treated wood may contain arsenic, which is a known carcinogen and can leach into soil or water.

• Bark and Sap Allergens: The bark and sap of some trees can contain allergens or irritants. For example, the sap of the poison ivy plant, which sometimes clings to wood, can cause severe allergic skin reactions.

• Particulate Matter Inhalation: Fine wood particles, when inhaled, can contribute to chronic respiratory issues

• Toxic Wood Dust: Certain types of wood dust, like that from oak or beech, are carcinogenic. Prolonged inhalation can or exacerbate conditions like asthma, increase the risk of nasal or lung cancer.

• Exotic Woods: Certain exotic woods can contain natural toxins or cause severe allergic reactions in some individuals.

• Leaching of Preservatives: In outdoor environments, preservatives used in wood can leach into the soil and potentially contaminate groundwater.

• Fire Retardants: Some woods are treated with fire retardants that can release harmful chemicals when heated.

• Fire Risks: Wood is flammable, and inhalation of smoke from burning wood can cause respiratory issues and expose individuals to carcinogens.

Plastic:

One of the most versatile materials is plastic. It can be molded and colored in any shape or forms, and can last for a long time if properly manufactured. Although we can recognize the benefits, it doesn’t come cheap in the environmental effect and health consequences.

• Degradation Products: As plastics degrade, they can release harmful chemicals into the environment, which can find their way into the food chain and human bodies.

• Heat and Plastic: Heating of certain plastics can lead to the release of chemicals, that can be absorbed by skin contact or breathing the volatile compounds. 

• Recycling Contaminants: During the recycling process, plastics can become contaminated with other substances, potentially leading to the introduction of additional toxins.

• Nano-materials in Plastics: Some modern plastics contain nano-materials, whose health impacts are still being studied. There are concerns about their potential toxicity and long-term effects on human health.

• Flame Retardants in Plastics: Flame retardants used in certain plastics can be endocrine disruptors and have been linked to health issues like thyroid disruption and developmental problems.

• Phthalates: These are used to make plastics more flexible. Exposure, especially in children and pregnant women, can impact the reproductive system.

• Plasticizers: Besides phthalates, other plasticizers can also leach out of plastics and may have similar endocrine-disrupting effects.

• Biodegradable Plastics: Some biodegradable plastics contain additives that help them break down but may release harmful substances as they decompose.

• Bisphenol A (BPA): Used in many plastics, BPA can mimic estrogen and has been linked to reproductive issues, obesity, and heart disease.

• Chemical Leaching: Certain plastics can leach chemicals like BPA or phthalates, especially when heated, which can disrupt hormonal balance.

Paint:

Paint is commonly used to protect materials like wood and metal from the elements, and is a a great tool for aesthetics and customization. Depending on the quality and type of paint, it may last decades, or flake and discolor fairly quickly.

• Solvent Exposure: Paints often contain solvents like toluene or xylene, which can cause nervous system effects like dizziness or headaches, and long-term exposure may affect kidney or liver function.

• Old Paint: Besides lead, old paint might contain other hazardous substances like chrysotile (asbestos) or lead in very old coatings.

Rubber:

Rubber is particularly common for surfacing, due to its cushioning properties which can reduce the impact of falls. However, there are several health risks associated with rubber, especially when it comes from recycled rubber products like tires. Here’s a list of playground toxicity potential health risks:

• Chemical Exposure: Recycled rubber can contain various chemicals, including heavy metals like lead, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These substances can be released into the air or through direct contact.

• Allergic Reactions: Some individuals, particularly children, may have allergic reactions to latex or other components in rubber.

• Skin Irritation and burns: Prolonged skin contact with rubber surfaces, particularly on hot days, can cause irritation or burns due to heat absorption.

• Ingestion Risk: Small pieces of loose rubber can be a choking hazard for young children, and if ingested, can be toxic.

• Microbial Growth: Rubber surfaces can retain moisture and promote the growth of bacteria, mold, and mildew, which can pose health risks, particularly for children with respiratory sensitivities.

• Environmental Impact: The degradation of rubber material over time can lead to environmental contamination, which indirectly affects human health.

• Particulate Matter: Wear and tear of rubber surfaces can generate particulate matter that can be inhaled, potentially causing respiratory issues.

Additional Considerations:

• Cumulative Exposure: The cumulative effect of long-term exposure to low levels of these materials can be significant, especially in occupational settings.

• Vulnerable Populations: Children, pregnant women, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions are often more susceptible to the adverse effects of these materials.

• Safe Handling Practices: when painting, sanding or retouching, keep in mind the time needed for the paint to completely dry in order to avoid users exposure to toxic compounds.

• Environmental Health Awareness: Understanding the broader environmental impact of these materials, and advocating for and practicing eco-friendly alternatives and disposal methods.

• Community Education: Educating the community about the risks associated with these materials, especially in areas near industrial facilities, is crucial for public health.

Other materials to keep in mind

Ropes

• Used in climbing structures and swings, ropes in playgrounds can pose risks of strangulation or entrapment. They may fray or weaken over time, leading to falls. Regular inspections are essential to ensure safety.

Textiles or carps

• Often used for shade, decorative elements or standing surface for trampolines, these materials can degrade under UV exposure, leading to tearing or detachment. They also pose a risk of entanglement or tripping and can harbor mold or mildew if not properly maintained.

Sand gravel or grass

• These natural materials are common for playground surfacing. Sand and gravel can hide sharp objects or animal waste, posing injury or health risks. Grass, while cushioning, can become uneven, stop growing on landing and walking paths or conceal hazards. All these surfaces require constant maintenance to ensure safety and cleanliness.

Broader Health and Environmental Concerns over playground toxicity:

• Environmental Impact: Many of these materials, especially certain plastics, have significant environmental impacts, which can indirectly affect human health.

• Waste Management: Improper disposal of these materials can lead to broader health risks, such as contaminated water supplies, left over contaminants accessible to future playground users, or rodent / insect infestation.

• Lifecycle Considerations: The entire lifecycle of these materials, from production to disposal, can have health implications. For instance, the production of PVC plastic not only affects the end-user but also the workers involved in its manufacture.

• Policy and Regulation: Advocacy for stricter regulations and policies to manage the use and disposal of these materials effectively, especially in industries.

• Research and Development: Supporting research into safer alternatives and ways to mitigate the health risks associated with these materials.

• Global Health Implications: Recognizing that the health implications of these materials have global ramifications, especially in less regulated environments.

In summary, while these materials are integral to modern life, we need to carefully manage their potential health impacts. This includes proper use, disposal, and understanding of the risks associated with each material type. Regulations and guidelines are often in place to help mitigate health risks.

Your wallet and your time

Either if you are planning on visiting a playground, planning on building one or purchasing one for yourself. The first step is making sure the manufacturer is certified and required to follow health and material guidelines for the industry. Keep in mind that overseas manufacturers don’t always have the same level of standards to avoid playground toxicity. 

Quick checklist to give you peace of mind