A MUM has sparked a furious debate after issuing a warning to other parents over playgrounds with a “toxic” floor.
The woman said she has banned her toddler from play areas that have a rubber mulch surface.
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Taking to Reddit, she shared how she is planning a visit to her parents, who had bought their granddaughter a “huge expensive playground” as a treat.
However, while she was grateful for the gesture, she raised her concerns about the flooring which is made from shredded car tyres.
Rubber mulch is widely used in schools and parks across the UK, and is popular for its shock-absorbent, “bouncy” properties, and for not providing a risk of splinters, unlike wooden chips.
The mum said on the forum: “Unfortunately she installed it over the pressed rubber mulch surface which I’m avoiding for my toddler.
“There’s no returning the playground or moving it anywhere else.
“Is there any way to cover it that makes it safe or am I destined to play the most ungrateful daughter and the most evil fun hating grinch of a mother for the duration of these two weeks?”
The woman said her mum ordered the rubber mulch deeming it to be harmless, but claims it could pose a serious threat to her toddler.
She claimed: “I know rubber mulch is made of recycled tires and who knows what else and is linked to cancer, so it’s the last thing I want my toddler to play on all day every day for two weeks.”
RUBBER RISKS
It’s not the first time that concern has been raised about rubber mulch flooring.
Barefoot Lawn Care claimed that it has the potential to release hazardous chemicals, including heavy metals like lead, zinc, and mercury.
Meanwhile, according to the Environmental Protection Agency in America, “benzene, mercury, styrene-butadiene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and arsenic, among several other chemicals, heavy metals and carcinogens, have been found in tyres”, according to NBC News.
They state that the release of chemicals can occur with heat and UV exposure, which could be dangerous for kids who come into contact with it.
However, a 2024 study, it was found that “although chemicals are present (as expected) in the tyre crumb rubber and exposures can occur, they are likely limited.”
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PARENTING DEBATE
The Reddit post sparked a furious debate in the comments, with many people split in their opinions.
Some said the mum should relax and let her child play on the play area.
One wrote: “Just watch your baby so they aren’t eating it. Your baby doesn’t live there so two weeks of exposure isn’t that bad.
“Wash baby’s hands before eating.”
Another added: “I think the risk of harm that this may cause your relationship with your mom by making a big deal out of it is far greater than the risk of harm of your daughter playing on rubber mulch.
“What a generous gift! Let your daughter play and don’t give it a second of your worry.”
A third said: “The truth is there’s only so much you can control. What if your daughter’s school has rubber mulch and she wants to play with her friends?
“You have to let some things go.”
However, one person queried: “Would you be open to paying to replace the mulch?”
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RUBBER HELL
Earlier this year, a family in Norfolk was forced to flee their home after a local play area was renovated.
Zoe Rowntree, 43, and her 16-year-old son, who have a severe latex allergy, were left struggling to breathe when the old rubber safety matting was ripped out to be replaced by shredded tires.
The family were given emergency accommodation but fear they won’t be able to return home due to their reaction to the new mulch.
Zoe claimed the situation had arisen as the council had refused to spend an extra £30,000 on a latex-free surface.
Meanwhile, council officials were forced to close a play area in Brighton after the black rubber mulch surface was wearing much faster than expected, causing its dye to stain skin and clothes, with some parents worried about its toxins.
What school fines can parents receive?
THE main issue that can lead to parents receiving a fine is missing school.
Currently, it’s the decision of the local council whether or not to issue a parent a fine for their child missing school.
However, from August this year, the fine for absences will up to the school to consider – when a child has missed 10 or more sessions for unauthorised reasons.
And the fine will be £80 if paid within 21 days, or £160 if paid within 28 days – this is issued to EACH parent.
It’s the first time the fine has been increased since 2012, and is in line with inflation.
If a parent receives a second fine for the same child within three years, this will automatically be charged at the higher rate of £160.
Fines will be capped at two fines within a three-year period.
After this limit has been reached, prosecution or a parenting order may be considered.
According to the official government website, there are only five reasons your child should be absent from school if the school is open.
These are as follows:
- Your child is too ill to attend that day
- You have asked in advance and been given permission by the school for your child to be absent on that day due to exceptional circumstances
- Your child cannot attend school on that day because it is a day you are taking part in religious observance
- Your local authority is responsible for arranging your child’s transport to school and it is not available on that day or has not been provided yet
- You are a gypsy/traveller family with no fixed abode, and you are required to travel for work that day meaning your child cannot attend their usual school
