Plus, the family who were given emergency accommodation after having a severe reaction to their local playground
A MUM has sparked a furious debate after issuing a warning to other parents over playgrounds with a “toxic” floor.
According to the mom, she has prohibited her toddler from playing in areas with rubber mulch.
Taking to Reddit, she described how she is planned a visit to her parents, who had given their granddaughter a “huge expensive playground” as a treat.
However, while she was grateful for the gesture, she raised her concerns about the flooring which is made from shredded car tyres.
Because of its “bouncy” and shock-absorbing qualities, as well as the fact that it doesn’t splinter like wooden chips do, rubber mulch is frequently used in parks and schools around the United Kingdom.
The mum said on the forum: “Unfortunately she installed it over the pressed rubber mulch surface which I’m avoiding for my toddler.
“There’s no returning the playground or moving it anywhere else.
“Is there any way to cover it that makes it safe or am I destined to play the most ungrateful daughter and the most evil fun hating grinch of a mother for the duration of these two weeks?”
The woman said her mum ordered the rubber mulch deeming it to be harmless, but claims it could pose a serious threat to her toddler.
She claimed: “I know rubber mulch is made of recycled tires and who knows what else and is linked to c.a.n.c.e.r, so it’s the last thing I want my toddler to play on all day every day for two weeks.”
RUBBER RISKS
It’s not the first time that concern has been raised about rubber mulch flooring.
It may emit dangerous substances, including as heavy metals like lead, zinc, and mercury, according to Barefoot Lawn Care.
“Benzene, mercury, styrene-butadiene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and arsenic, among various other compounds, heavy metals, and c.a.r.c.i.n.o.g.e.n.s, have been detected in tires,” the Environmental Protection Agency in America reports, as reported by NBC News.
They state that the release of chemicals can occur with heat and UV exposure, which could be dangerous for kids who come into contact with it.
However, a 2024 study, it was found that “although chemicals are present (as expected) in the tyre crumb rubber and exposures can occur, they are likely limited.”
PARENTING DEBATE
The Reddit post sparked a furious debate in the comments, with many people split in their opinions.
Some said the mum should relax and let her child play on the play area.
One wrote: “Just watch your baby so they aren’t eating it. Your baby doesn’t live there so two weeks of exposure isn’t that bad.
“Wash baby’s hands before eating.”
Another added: “I think the risk of harm that this may cause your relationship with your mom by making a big deal out of it is far greater than the risk of harm of your daughter playing on rubber mulch.
“What a generous gift! Let your daughter play and don’t give it a second of your worry.”
A third said: “The truth is there’s only so much you can control. What if your daughter’s school has rubber mulch and she wants to play with her friends?
“You have to let some things go.”
However, one person queried: “Would you be open to paying to replace the mulch?”
RUBBER H.E.L.L
A Norfolk family had to leave their home earlier this year due to renovations made to a nearby play area.
Zoe Rowntree, 43, and her 16-year-old son, who have a severe latex allergy, were left struggling to breathe when the old rubber safety matting was ripped out to be replaced by shredded tires.
The family were given emergency accommodation but fear they won’t be able to return home due to their reaction to the new mulch.
Zoe claimed the situation had arisen as the council had refused to spend an extra £30,000 on a latex-free surface.
Meanwhile, council authorities were forced to close a play area in Brighton as the black rubber mulch surface was wearing far faster than predicted, causing the dye to stain flesh and clothes, with some parents worried about its t.o.x.i.c.i.t.y.
