Denmark – swings made from old tyres are not dangerous

A Danish EPA study shows that old rubber tyres used as swings in playgrounds are not dangerous. Parents of children playing in the playgrounds at nurseries do not have to worry about the health effects of the tyres. In the study, focus was on the amines and PAHs. These substances may be both allergenic and carcinogenic after large-scale exposure.



Even though old car tyres may contain carcinogenic substances, such as PAHs and amines, they are released in quantities so small that the risk is considered negligent. The level of exposure of children to the substances is more than 10,000 times less than the level which animal tests have shown to cause harmful effects.



The Danish EPA has been in contact with a number of local authorities and day-care institutions who have been worried about the possible risks associated with children playing with old car tyres. The Agency has now sent a letter, informing them about the results of the study, thus avoiding unfounded concern about the tyres