The invisible footprint of climbing shoes: high exposure to rubber additives in indoor facilities

• DOI: 10.26434/chemrxiv-2023-r6t15-v5
• Publication Date: 2025-04-30T10:43:21Z
• Authors: Anya Sherman; Thibault Masset; Lukas Wimmer; Leah K. Leah Maru...; Lea Ann Dailey; Thorsten Hüffer; Florian Breider; Thilo Hofmann
• Keywords: Footprint; Climbing

There is growing concern about rubber-derived compounds (RDCs), predominantly originating from tire and road wear particles. Other consumer products, including sports equipment, also contain RDCs human exposure to these of particular interest due demonstrated toxicity animal species. In this study, we investigated intentionally incorporated into climbing shoes for enhanced performance. We found high concentrations 15 rubber derived-compounds (RDCs) in shoe sole samples (Σ15 RDCs: 25 – 3405 µg/g), aerosol particulate matter 2.6 - 37 settled dust 1.5 55 µg/g) indoor halls. The estimated daily intake via inhalation/ingestion Σ15 climbers employees some facilities ranged 1.7 48 ng/kg/day, exceeding known levels other sources. Abrasion powder resulting friction between footholds the likeliest source observed dust. These findings reveal a previously unknown route RDCs.