Question from scott
We live at an apartment complex with a playground. The other day I noticed the apartment maintenance department filled the playground area with shredded up tires to make it less dangerous when kids fall. Is this safe?
Debra’s Answer
The EPA has a useful page on Management of Scrap Tires from a solid waste viewpoint, but mentions nothing about possible health effects.
Black Magic: The Art of Making Tires describes the manufacturing process of making tires and the materials used. Many types of rubber are used, both natural and synthetic, as well as other chemicals.
While it is best for health and the environment to find ways to recycle tires, I’m not sure putting them on a playground for children is the best idea for their health. Heat from the sun could cause the tires to outgas who knows what chemicals that might effect their health. I’d rather see those ground up tires used for road fill or something not so closely in contact with children.
I think this is a case where an idea is good for the environment, but not necessarily good for health.
