A multi-site study across European climbing gyms recorded airborne particulate matter ranging between 180 and 3,070 μg/m³—levels that approach or exceed occupational exposure thresholds typically reserved for industrial workplaces. Notably, some RDCs measured in these facilities—such as benzothiazoles and phenylenediamines—are linked to lung toxicity in lab studies, with concentrations occasionally higher than those near traffic-heavy areas or factory sites.
These findings come as the climbing gym market expands globally and consumer expectations around environmental health are growing. The evidence suggests that the intensity of use, building size, and the adequacy of air circulation systems all play a role in particulate build-up, offering both a challenge and a clear path forward for operators looking to manage exposure risks.
The research indicates a new layer of liability and operational complexity for gym owners. Employees spending extended time in high-traffic climbing halls could be exposed to levels of RDCs far above what’s typical in non-industrial settings. For facility managers, that translates to a need for upgraded HVAC systems, more frequent dust mitigation efforts, and a reevaluation of cleaning protocols.
Facility layout and traffic volume were found to significantly influence air quality, with poorly ventilated and high-traffic spaces showing the highest levels of airborne compounds. Some mitigation is possible through relatively straightforward interventions—enhancing airflow, adjusting facility occupancy patterns, and more rigorous maintenance schedules.
Manufacturers are also being called into the spotlight. The study examined 30 models of climbing shoes and found notable variability in chemical composition, underscoring the potential for reformulating shoes with lower-toxicity materials. Doing so not only addresses health risks but also opens the door for product differentiation in a market that increasingly values sustainable and health-conscious design.
