Top 5 Most Dangerous Playground Surfaces

1. No shock absorbing surface– A playground should never be installed without the proper protective fall- zone safety surfacing. Concrete, asphalt, or other hard surfaces should never be directly under playground equipment. Grass and dirt are not considered protective surfacing because wear and environmental factors can reduce their shock absorbing effectiveness. Carpeting and mats are also not appropriate unless they are tested to and comply with ASTM F1292. 
2. Sand– A primary danger associated with playground sand is the possible presence of asbestos and silica. Silica can cause asthma and inflammation of the lungs, while asbestos fibers can cause cancer. Animals defecate in sand adding dangerous bacteria that can get onto or into your children, Hard to use with ADA mobility devices, such as wheelchairs, May contain asbestos or silica, Easily consumed by young children, Easily be tracked inside on clothes, hair, shoes, etc. Can hide insects and other pests, Sand will compress at least 35% over time due to use and weathering which will expose children to head injuries, Requires expensive constant maintenance, for example- inspection for foreign objects and raking.
3. Pea Gravel– Hard to use with ADA mobility devices, such as wheelchairs, Easily consumed by young children, Easy to place in open body parts: nose, mouth, and ears Can hide insects and other pests Requires expensive constant maintenance, for example- inspection for foreign objects and raking. Pea gravel may contain foreign objects harmful to children’s health such as glass, twigs and sharp stones as well as other hazards. Animals defecate in sand adding dangerous bacteria that can get onto or into your children
4. Wood Chips/Engineered Wood Fiber – Mold can grow on untreated wood. It is also possible that the wood chips may be treated with Copper Chromated Arsenic (CCA), a wood preservative and insecticide that can contain up to 30% arsenic. Hard to use with ADA mobility devices, such as wheelchairs, Easily consumed by young children, Easy to place in open body parts: nose, mouth, and ears, Can hide insects and other pests, Requires expensive constant maintenance, for example- inspection for foreign objects and raking May contain allergens and toxins if the source of these materials isn’t checked,Can hide insects, pests, and foreign matter Microbial growth can occur when material is wet. Animals defecate in wood chips & engineered wood fiber adding dangerous bacteria that can get onto or into your children, will compress at least 35% over time due to use and weathering which will expose children to head injuries 
5. Rubber Mulch–  Rubber mulch  is made out of recycled tires. Tires contain black carbon – a known carcinogen – and emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), especially when subjected to heat. Hard to use with ADA mobility devices, such as wheelchairs, Easily consumed by young children, Easily get in shoes, socks, clothing, and crevices of the body and tracked inside, Animals defecate in rubber mulch adding dangerous bacteria that can get onto or into your children, Expensive maintenance cost. 

For More Information on the proper protective playground surfacing www.fallzonesafetysurfacing.com or 1-888-808-1587

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