Indoor rock climbers could be filling their lungs with cancer-causing pollutants, scientists have warned.
Austrian researchers have found that the rubber soles of footwear worn by climbers release a host of toxic chemicals into the air, which is then inhaled into the lungs.
These chemicals have been linked to lung inflammation, organ damage, respiratory illnesses and even some types of cancer.
University of Vienna scientists found the level of fumes in the air was similar to that recorded in some of the most polluted cities on Earth.
They are now calling for gyms to improve ventilation and for climbing shoe designers to change the materials used to help protect climbers and gym staff.
‘These substances do not belong in the air we breathe,’ they said.
Indoor rock climbing has exploded in popularity in recent years, with dozens of facilities opening up in major UK cities.
The sport is also referred to as bouldering, which specifically involves manoeuvring up and down walls without any safety equipment such as a harness.
Indoor rock climbers could be exposing their lungs to the same level of pollution as living in a Chinese mega-city, scientists warn
The graphic created by the researchers shows how tiny particles from climbing shoes could spread in a gym and ultimately be inhaled by people
Joint author of the new study, environmental scientist Anya Sherman, said many climbers would be familiar with the black residue left on footholds on indoor climbing walls.
‘Climbers wipe it off to get a better grip, and it gets kicked up into the air,’ she said.
In the study, published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology Air, the experts collected air samples from five climbing gyms in Vienna and four from France, Spain and Switzerland.
To do so they used an impinger — a piece of scientific equipment that acts like an artificial set of human lungs — which allows scientists to measure exposure to pollutants.
Analysing the results, they found levels of rubber chemicals in the air was similar to those recorded on busy roads in major cities in China.
Fellow study author and environmental scientist Professor Thilo Hofmann, also of Vienna, said: ‘The levels we measured are among the highest ever documented worldwide, comparable to multi-lane roads in mega-cities.’
They explained that the soles of climbing shoes use many of the same chemical additives as car tyres to improve their grip and durability.
Some of these chemicals are known to be toxic to human lung cells and others have been linked to mass deaths of wildlife when they have leaked into rivers.
Indoor climbing is an increasingly popular recreational activity. Actor Jason Momoa is a fan and took part in a climbing contest in Barcelona in 2016
One, called 6PPD-quinone, has been shown to trigger inflammation and scarring of the lungs and widespread organ damage in animal studies.
A recent Chinese study also suggested people exposed to high levels of the chemical showed potential signs of damaged airways.
And another study on Chinese children living in areas with high 6PPD-quinone levels showed they were at higher risk of falling ill with respiratory infections like the flu.
Another substance found in the tests was benzothiazole which has been linked to a higher risk of bladder cancer among factory workers.
Professor Hofmann said the health implications for people breathing in high quantities of these substances over time was unknown and needed further research.
However, he added that we couldn’t afford to wait and should take action now to reduce exposure.
‘These substances do not belong in the air we breathe,’ he said.
‘It makes sense to act before we know all the details about the risks, especially with regard to sensitive groups such as children.
‘It is essential to switch to sole materials with fewer harmful substances.’
Ms Sherman added that in the meantime, climbers may want to try to exercise at non-peak gym times when the levels of these airborne particles will be lower.
Indoor climbing has enjoyed a surge in popularity in recent years, with Hollywood stars like actor Jason Momoa of Aquaman fame being a fan.
According to a 2018 survey, one in 100 Britons and one in 20 Americans used indoor climbing facilities as a form of exercise.
Of these an estimated 20 per cent considered themselves regular climbers who attended multiple sessions a week.
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