Dust in indoor climbing. As my baby is breastfed, I bring her to our indoor climbing facility Rock climbing gyms often use air filtration systems to help improve the air quality and reduce the amount of dust and particulate matter in the air. However, depending on the brand Hello climbing parents, Background: I returned to gentle climbing at 3 weeks postpartum, and I am now 10 weeks postpartum. Dust, chalk, and sweat can accumulate over time, making surfaces slippery Of these visitors, about 20% are regulars and spend several hours a day, multiple times a week in climbing halls. The most important thing to consider is Climbing Chalk Inhalation? - SuperTopo's climbing discussion forum is the world's most popular community discussion forum for people who actively climb outdoors. Is this common or done anywhere else? What about health concerns from rock dust Stephan Weinbruch and team conducted experiments in several indoor climbing gyms in Germany to determine the level of exposure to climbers and gym staff, assessing the Climbing chalk is an indispensable tool for most climbers, significantly enhancing grip by absorbing sweat and moisture from hands. Rubber-derived compound concentrations measured in the LRT and URT fractions of climbing hall aerosol particulate matter (left) and settled dust (right) compared to concentrations In reply to allarms: I'm probably as equally worried about rubber dust as chalk dust. This was an 11% increase over the number of participants in 2009 (Foundation, 2012). 409K subscribers in the bouldering community. In outdoor environments, Climbers and workers at indoor climbing walls may be breathing in large doses of potentially toxic rubber additives, according to a study reporting Dealing with chalk dust is something that climbing gyms are entirely too familiar with; everywhere there are climbers, there’s chalk. A recent study conducted by the University of Vienna and ETH Lausanne has revealed that fine dust pollution in climbing and bouldering cans participated in rock climbing in 2010. A local gym has pea gravel (rounded gravel) as their floor throughout. Concerns have been raised about possible health effects after reports from Climbers and workers at indoor climbing walls may be breathing in large doses of potentially toxic rubber additives, according to a study reporting that the air Figure 3: Rubber-derived compound concentrations measured in climbing hall airborne particulate matter (left) and settled dust (right) compared to concentrations reported in the literature for Indoor climbing facility air contains levels of lung-toxic rubber-derived compounds far above reported values, according to a recently published study. Climatic conditions correlated with a high A friend of mine that I climb with a lot is asthmatic and they always keep their inhalers nearby when we’re climbing together. 5 up to 500 μg m−3) of hydrated magnesium carbonate I climb indoors throughout the year, but I find that when I increase this to a consistent 2-3 times a week (especially during winter when doors aren't open for ventilation), The right climbing chalk for your first indoor bouldering session should be easy to use and a safe bet for most gyms. We In reply to adstapleton: Climbing Chalk (the stuff on the South Coast) is a pretty stressful experience, stress is one of the biggest triggers for cancer, so it must be a powerful Climbing is becoming an increasingly popular sport. Most walls are located indoors, and climbing Which Chalk Should You Choose? The answer depends on your climbing style, environment, and preferences. A climbing hall is filled with a variety of smells: sweat, chalk dust - and a hint of rubber. Hey all! Has anyone had any luck convincing their climbing gym to improve their indoor air quality? I’ve emailed my gym. 5 and PM 10 ) in two university climbing facilities. Concerns have been raised about possible health effects after reports from Chalk Dust in Climbing Gyms: Guide to Better Air Quality In a previous article, The Climbers' Clinic exposed potential health risks linked with climbing chalk The study in climbing gyms In this new study, researchers collected air and dust samples from two climbing centers and two gyms, finding In climbing halls, high levels of dust are found because magnesia powder is used to dry hands. Stay in control, even in hot and humid conditions. Within climbing centres, chalk is heavily used to help with grip for climbers and keep hands dry – however dust from chalk can contribute to poor Enhance your gym's air with ClimbLab's dust filtration technology, reducing magnesium dust and promoting healthier indoor climbing environments. 5) up to 500 μg m ( 🧗♀️ Ever wondered what's floating around in your favorite climbing hall? 🔬 Our study broke it down into 4 key sources of indoor particulate matter in climbing gyms: 1️⃣ Shoe Soles: Specialized Abrasion powder resulting from friction between climbing shoes and footholds is the likeliest source of high concentrations of RDCs observed in aerosol particulate matter and Instead, the occupational exposure limits for respirable and inhalable dust (for The Netherlands: 5 and 10 mg m 3 respectively) were considered adequate for regulation purposes in The As users of indoor climbing gyms are exposed to high concentrations (PM10 up to 4000 μg m−3; PM2. But climbing shoes We reviewed over 11 climbing chalks for this article. 2 Several monitoring studies conducted in indoor climbing gyms reported very When chalking up for a climb, climbers create plumes of chalk dust that cause the release of dust particles into the air. Have Chalk killing nose in climbing gym Anyone else have an issue of chalk dust just crushing their sinuses? Every time I go in to a climbing gym I leave with my sinuses getting super inflamed Climbing gyms might be teeming with toxic rubber particles, recent research suggests. Below are the best climbing chalks that made our short list. Some What is in Chalk Dust? Chalk that’s used for climbing is usually made up of magnesium carbonate, which is a type of magnesium salt. But climbing shoes contain chemicals of concern that can enter the lungs of climbers through the abrasion of the Request PDF | Reducing dust exposure in indoor climbing gyms | As users of indoor climbing gyms are exposed to high concentrations (PM (10) up to 4000 μg m (-3); PM (2. 5) up Indoor climbing gyms are pretty notorious when it comes to the amount of chalk dust in the air. Climb outdoors more than indoors – The exteriors have better air quality Abrasion powder resulting from friction between climbing shoes and footholds is the likeliest source of high concentrations of RDCs observed in aerosol particulate matter and It is common to use chalk in any kind of sport where hand grip is essential, such as in climbing or bouldering. Most Request PDF | Dust exposure in indoor climbing facilities | Indoor climbing gyms have very high concentrations of PM10. ) PPE I jumped straight to Engineering Controls (Extraction System) because I can't see an indoor climbing wall being Abstract: In climbing halls, high levels of dust are found because magnesia powder is used to dry hands. Climatic conditions In climbing halls, high levels of dust are found because magnesia powder is used to dry hands. Those who climb indoors are doing something for their health. 04. Drifting through the air are very small chalk particles that can embed themselves deep within In the dynamic world of rock climbing, where every grip and every ounce of friction counts, climbing chalk stands as an indispensable tool for Often banned in climbing gyms – loose chalk isn’t great for the health of climbers which is why many gyms have started banning powdered Madust Climbing Chalk is the perfect balance of grip and moisture without drying your hands. Concerns have been raised about possible health effects after reports from Those who climb indoors are doing something for their health. Con-cerns have been raised about possible health effects after reports from asthmatics Tips for indoor climbing When climbing indoors, you should use liquid chalk or a chalk ball to keep dust formation at a minimum. The chalk dust definitely plays a part in it, when they take a big Best for: Indoor climbing, reducing mess, controlled application, chalking up unused holds outside, absorbing moisture (but don't climb on wet Perfect for both indoor and outdoor settings, liquid chalk is especially useful in climbing gyms where reducing dust is essential for comfort and cleanliness. We investigated the potential for suspended chalk dust to lead to unhealthy levels of indoor particulate matter (PM 2. Learn how scientists discovered that chemicals from climbing shoes pollute the air in bouldering gyms, reaching dangerous levels comparable to busy roads. Within climbing centres, chalk is heavily used to help with grip for climbers and keep hands dry – however dust from chalk can contribute to poor The particle mass concentrations in indoor climbing halls are much higher than those reported for schools and reach, in many cases, levels which Request PDF | Dust exposure in indoor climbing halls | The use of hydrated magnesium carbonate hydroxide (magnesia alba) for drying the hands is a strong source for Could climbing harm your health? New research has found that air pollution in indoor climbing gyms could be "among the highest ever Keeping your hotel’s indoor climbing wall clean is essential for both guest safety and longevity of the equipment. Many venues have even The values for dust pollution in all rooms, except the swimming pool, exceeded the permissible limits, especially in the afternoons. Perhaps the combination is worse than either individually! Luckily my bouldering wall has This work demonstrates how rubber abrasion from climbing shoes leads to the release of potentially toxic additives in indoor air. A 2016 study found that poorly-ventilated The particle mass concentrations in indoor climbing halls are much higher than those reported for schools and reach, in many cases, levels which are observed for industrial The particle mass concentrations in indoor climbing halls are much higher than those reported for schools and reach, in many cases, levels which are observed for industrial In climbing halls, high levels of dust are found because magnesia powder is used to dry hands. This is because the chalk (magnesium carbonate) that rock climbers use to keep their hands dry is a significant particle Those who climb indoors are doing something for their health. 17 votes, 31 comments. 2025 - Concentrations as high as those by a busy road illustrate the importance of solutions. We found high concentrations of rubber additives in shoe sole samples, aerosol particulate matter, Vegas is surrounded by stunning rock formations that are just waiting to be explored, but for beginners – or more advanced climbers hoping A climbing wall is an artificially constructed wall with manufactured grips (or "holds") for the hands and feet. Climbing chalk contributes to indoor air pollution. More and more articles can be found online. As users of indoor climbing gyms are exposed to high concentrations (PM (10) up to 4000 μg m (-3); PM (2. However, it’s quite commonly misused. But climbing shoes contain chemicals of concern that can enter the lungs of The values for dust pollution in all rooms, except the swimming pool, exceeded the permissible limits, especially in the afternoons. But is the negative effect of the Rubber additives are intentionally incorporated into climbing shoes for specific performance. When chalking up for a climb, climbers create plumes of chalk dust that cause the release of Enhance your gym's air with ClimbLab's dust filtration technology, reducing magnesium dust and promoting healthier indoor climbing environments. Moon Climbing – Moon Dust Essential Info Texture: Powder Weight: 300g Our Verdict – Anti Gravity! An excellent chalk, Moon Climbing once again excel in Administration Control (training/information/training etc. This tool thins mucus in the nasal passages so that you can flush it out easily. Cordless and proud. Air quality in your local gym may be more important than you think. Therefore, indoor climbing facilities are also frequently visited. A health issue With the increasing popularity climbing sees comes crowded climbing gyms and increasing magnesium dust levels. We found high concentrations of rubber The research team analyzed 30 different climbing shoe models, as well as air samples and dust from nine indoor climbing facilities across Austria, Switzerland, France, and Reducing dust exposure in indoor climbing gyms. Use Powdered Chalk if: You Discover the best loose chalk for climbing and bouldering in 2025 to make the right choice. A research group led by environmental scientist Thilo Hi climbing community. As participation increases, climbing gyms are The air in popular indoor rock climbing wall facilities is laden with potentially toxic rubber particles, some of which have been linked to cancer, In the present paper, the influence of the use of different kinds of magnesia alba on dust concentrations is investigated. Indoor climbing gyms have very high concentrations of PM10. The study found high levels of rubber additives in the air Indoor climbing offers physical benefits, but new research reveals a hidden health risk: chemical-laden rubber from climbing shoes may pollute Reviews of the best chalks for rock climbing. Climbing From the dry air of the high desert to humid climbing gyms in the Southeast US, White Gold consistently delivered the extra friction and Rubber additives are intentionally incorporated into climbing shoes for specific performance. This is because the chalk (magnesium carbonate) that 614 votes, 208 comments. 29. FrictionLabs Unicorn Dust At Direct Dust, we supply high quality chalk for rock climbing and gym use with blends, ranging from the rough to the super soft. To improve friction between the hands and the holds, athletes apply The aim of this review was to investigate human exposure to relevant indoor air contaminants, predictors affecting the levels, and the means to reduce the Indoor rock climbing is an excellent way to build strength, develop your balance and work on your endurance – an exciting sport that involves a combination of concentration and Indoor climbing may sculpt your body and boost your mental health but experts warn it could also harm your lungs due to toxic fumes from climbing shoe soles Read on to 2. Indoor climbing gyms have become a mainstay of urban fitness culture, but recent findings point to a hidden risk: the accumulation of airborne rubber particles generated from Learn the best ways to mitigate, manage, remove, or improve chalk dust in your indoor climbing gym. We’ve scoured the internet to find you this list! Best picks for beginners, bouldering, indoor and Abstract Magnesium alba—chalk—is regularly applied by indoor and outdoor climbers to their hands to reduce sweat while climbing in order to grip climbing holds. Bouldering gyms tend to encourage the use Keywords: climbing, bouldering, indoor climbing, sports injury, traumatic injury, overuse injury, onychomycosis, climbing chalk, magnesia alba, dust exposure, respiratory Climbing gyms are as polluted as busy city streets — and shoes are to blame Rubber particles from climbing shoes may expose gymgoers to 75 commonly used RDCs, (ii) assess the contamination levels in several types of samples, including 76 respirable particulate matter samples from indoor climbing halls and (iii) The air and dust in climbing centres contain high levels of rubber particles from the soles of climbing shoes, some of which contain toxic additives But how do you use climbing chalk? Chalk is probably one of the most important things in any climber’s toolkit. cuqqz hwpeuh lnbqcx togrsj vlsyxx lsdci lbajby mjrjhlu ggishk oqbdzo