Among other concerns, there’s one question people often have about rubber mulch: is it safe? From both a chemical standpoint and for mitigating the risk of injury, rubber mulch is considered safe for playground surfacing purposes. The presence of metals in rubber mulch is minimal, and doesn’t pose a significant safety risk for kids at play. For preventing serious injury from falls, reputable playground safety organizations such as the National Safety Councilrecommend a surface depth of 12 inches for rubber mulch.
What are the safety benefits of rubber mulch?
Let’s delve a bit deeper into the playground safety benefits as well as the concerns associated with rubber mulch. Studies have shown no conclusive evidence that the chemicals contained in rubber mulch are in any way toxic to children. That said, it’s important to note that, while most rubber mulch is tested to ensure near-total lack of metals, raking and subsequently inspecting one’s rubber mulch to ensure no sharp-edged metal is present is a crucial part of the rubber mulch installation process. The dual benefits of this include ensuring the surface is smooth and no ground is exposed to better protect kids from falls, as well as identifying and removing any loose metals that may be present in newly-laid rubber mulch surfacing.
The safety benefits of rubber mulch in the context of preventing falls speak for themselves, but there are few important points to remember:
- The minimal presence of metals in rubber mulch makes it safe for kids
- Recommended mulch depth of 12 inches to prevent serious injury from falls
- Regular inspection of rubber mulch for the presence of problematic debris is crucial
What is the downside to rubber mulch for playgrounds?
Rubber mulch is a safe, durable, and low-maintenance option for playgrounds, but like any material, there are a few things to consider. It can become warmer than wood mulch on very hot days, though this is usually manageable with shade and proper footwear. Because it’s made from recycled rubber, some light odor or gradual color fading may occur over time, but high-quality mulch is designed to minimize both. While the initial cost can be higher than wood mulch, the long-term savings and durability often make it the more cost-effective choice.
Conclusion
Rubber mulch is a safety-centric playground surfacing option that’s both affordable and effective for use on playgrounds and any outdoor space with children at play. When properly installed, rubber mulch complies with the American Society of Testing Materials’ standards for playground surfacing, and will be an asset for your playground for years to come. Help to ensure that your children are safe on the playground with rubber mulch surfacing. Don’t wait for an accident to happen. Protect them now, and give them the safe and fun play environment that they deserve.
Find more about the author: Kim Hart