Climbing Shoe Chemicals: Indoor Hall Issues
- Indoor climbing, a popular fitness activity, may expose enthusiasts to concerning levels of airborne chemicals.
- The research, published in Environmental Science and Technology air, highlights that climbing shoes contain rubber compounds akin to those used in car tires.
- Anya Sherman, an environmental scientist at the Center for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science (CeMESS) at the University of Vienna, and Thibault Masset from EPFL, both avid climbers,...
Are your climbing shoes polluting your workout? A groundbreaking study reveals that the abrasion of climbing shoes releases concerning levels of airborne chemicals, potentially rivaling those on busy city streets. News Directory 3 reports on the research from the University of Vienna adn EPFL Lausanne, highlighting the rubber compounds in climbing shoes and the potential health risks. Scientists analyzed air samples, identifying rubber additives, some linked too environmental harm. The study emphasizes the need for better ventilation, improved shoe design, and further research into the long-term effects. Discover what’s next for indoor climbing safety and healthier gym environments.
Climbing Shoe Chemicals Pollute Gym Air, Study Finds
Updated June 19, 2025
Indoor climbing, a popular fitness activity, may expose enthusiasts to concerning levels of airborne chemicals. A study by the University of Vienna and EPFL Lausanne reveals that the abrasion of climbing shoes releases potentially harmful substances into the air of bouldering gyms. In some instances, these concentrations surpass those found on heavily trafficked urban roads.
The research, published in Environmental Science and Technology air, highlights that climbing shoes contain rubber compounds akin to those used in car tires. These compounds include additives designed to enhance resilience and durability, but some are suspected of posing risks to human health and the habitat.
Anya Sherman, an environmental scientist at the Center for Microbiology and Environmental Systems Science (CeMESS) at the University of Vienna, and Thibault Masset from EPFL, both avid climbers, initiated the study. They analyzed rubber samples from climbing shoes, employing methods used to assess car tire composition.
Sherman, collaborating with Professor Lea Ann Daily’s research group, collected air samples from five Vienna bouldering gyms using a device mimicking the human respiratory system.Additional samples were gathered from gyms in France, Spain, and Switzerland in partnership with EPFL Lausanne.
Thilo Hofmann, the study’s corresponding author, noted unexpectedly high levels of air pollution in the gyms. He said the concentration of rubber additives was particularly elevated in crowded climbing areas. “The levels we measured are among the highest ever documented worldwide, comparable to multi-lane roads in megacities,” hofmann said.
The team’s analysis of 30 pairs of shoes identified 15 rubber additives, including 6PPD, a stabilizer linked to salmon deaths in rivers.
The implications for human health remain unclear. However, Hofmann emphasized the need for proactive measures, especially for vulnerable groups like children.”These substances do not belong in the air we breathe,” he said.
Sherman noted the cooperation of gym operators and thier interest in improving air quality through enhanced ventilation, cleaning protocols, and the use of climbing shoes with fewer additives.
Hofmann advocated for a shift toward sole materials with fewer harmful substances, noting that manufacturers may not be fully aware of the issue. He said further research is needed to understand the effects of these chemicals on the human body. Sherman remains optimistic that the research will contribute to healthier climbing environments.
What’s next
Future research will focus on the long-term health effects of exposure to these chemicals and the advancement of safer materials for climbing shoe manufacturing. Increased awareness and collaboration between researchers, manufacturers, and gym operators are crucial for creating healthier indoor climbing spaces.