Question from Miriam
We’re planning on getting a swingset for our kids and I’d like to install something soft underneath. This looks to be a good option but I’m not sure of the toxicity of it. Does this seem safe to you?
https://jellybeanrubbermulch.com/
Lisa’s Answer
They are made from the same material used to make tiles for schools, and hospitals. They pass California standards for indoor air quality so they emit a low level of VOCs but that doesn’t mean they don’t emit any VOCs. This is probably safer than recycled tires but it is still petroleum-based plastic. Because the tiles are recycled, it may not even be known what ingredients were used in the original product. You might want to ask if the material contains phthalates or lead which would not be measured in air quality testing. Also, keep in mind that these will be exposed to sun and humidity which will only increase off-gassing.
While they may be safer than recycled tires, I would go with untreated wood chips.
