Flooring serves as an essential element in the makeover and practicality of your space. The flooring Dubai offers multiple applications. However, the rubber flooring is the best option for both commercial and residential places. This flooring is made of synthetic material and natural rubber, which absorbs sound and reduces the risk of slipping. Therefore, rubber tiles can be applied in gyms, playgrounds, and garages.
Now, the burning question is rubber flooring toxic? This flooring is usually made of non-toxic materials such as low-VOC or recycled rubber. But some rubber floors also contain Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons or heavy metals. These chemicals are very dangerous and cause serious health issues.
What is Rubber Flooring?
Rubber flooring is highly resilient and durable, ideal for high-traffic areas. This flooring is available in many forms, such as rolls, mats, or tiles, allowing you to use it in any space. The rubber flooring is also resistant to slips, which is why it can be used as sports flooring. Additionally, this floor is also sound-absorbing, making it perfect for nurseries and hospitals.
What Makes Rubber Flooring Non-Toxic?
Here are the materials that make the rubber flooring non-toxic and safe for health:
1. Natural and Synthetic Rubber
Rubber flooring is made from natural rubber, extracted from rubber trees. This flooring also contains synthetic rubber derived from hydrocarbons. Both these materials are organic and biodegradable, making them safe and chemical-free flooring.
2. Antistatic Surface
The rubber tiles also offer an antistatic surface, helping prevent the buildup of static electricity. Additionally, these tiles resist the accumulation of allergens, such as pesticides, creating a hypoallergenic surface.
3. Certifications
Many rubber planks are also certified by various companies, including DIN EN 71-3, Blue Angel, and PEFC. These companies check the quality and composition of rubber tiles. Additionally, they ensure that all the tiles are chemical-free and safe for your health and the environment. However, DIN EN 71-3 is generally known for testing the manufacturing of toys.
4. Recycled Rubber
Most rubber flooring is also made from recycled rubber, extracted from old tyres. The recycling process of rubber tiles eliminates VOCs or harmful chemicals. Therefore, a rubber floor is an eco-friendly option, creating a healthier, serene, and quieter atmosphere.
5. Shock Absorption
If you have kids, pets, and older people in your living space, rubber flooring would be a better option. This flooring provides underfoot comfort, creating a cushioned surface for babies to crawl and play. Moreover, rubber planks are shock-absorbent, helping prevent injuries from sudden falls. In addition, these planks reduce strain on joints and knees.
6. Slip Resistance
Like the vinyl flooring, the rubber floor is also moisture-resistant. Thereby, rubber tiles are best suited for moisture-prone spaces such as bathrooms and kitchens. The moisture-resistant properties of these flooring tiles improve the traction of your space. Therefore, they can protect your kids and elders from sudden falls or slips.
Which Compounds Make Rubber Flooring Toxic?
Along with the non-toxic manufacturing, some rubber tiles also contain harmful chemicals. Here are those chemical compounds that make them toxic:
-
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
Recycled rubber tires emit the toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The studies reported that PAHs are a common cause of cancer cells or mutagens. However, in the case of refined recycled rubber, the chances of producing the PAHs are minimal.
-
Heavy Metals
Some rubber planks also contain heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and zinc. These heavy metals cause many health diseases, such as kidney and nervous system problems. Furthermore, if the rubber flooring is applied to outdoor spaces such as play areas, the heavy metals added to it can leach into the water or soil. Resultantly, the habitats of soil or water can be affected due to exposure to these harmful chemicals.
-
Allergens and Irritants
Rubber tiles are usually made of synthetic or recycled rubber. However, some of the tiles also contain latex, which produces allergens and irritants. Therefore, people with latex sensitivity may be prone to skin allergies or infections.
-
Phthalates
Phthalates are chemical compounds usually found in plastic products. Some rubber floors also have these chemicals, which are dangerous to health and the environment. Studies reported that exposure to phthalates can disturb the natural hormonal system of humans.
-
VOCs and Off-gassing
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are often present in the non-recycled rubber planks. These chemical compounds emit off-gassing into the environment, which pollutes the air. Additionally, these chemicals also emit unpleasant odours, which impact indoor air quality and overall ambiance. But recycled rubber prevents emission of VOCs and off-gassing, offering a healthier indoor environment.
How to Select Non-Toxic Rubber Flooring
The most important concern is how to select the non-toxic rubber flooring for your space. Here are some key hacks to help you make the best flooring selection:
Look for Certifications: Selecting certified rubber flooring protects you from hazardous emissions of VOCs. Additionally, these certificates ensure that all the products are tested properly for healthy and safe use. You can opt for rubber tiles verified by GREENGUARD Gold, FloorScore, and Cradle to Cradle Certification.
Evaluate Flooring Quality: Checking the flooring quality is necessary to guarantee a non-toxic surface. To evaluate quality, verify third-party certifications, manufacturing materials, additives, and fillers. Additionally, you should also focus on the sources and types of rubber.
Check the Components of Flooring: You should also verify the flooring composition, including raw material resources such as natural or recycled rubber. Moreover, examine which additives, fillers, or binders are used in the manufacturing of rubber tiles. In addition, check that the rubber floor’s surface is smooth and sealed. So that it can be applied as gym flooring.
Choose a Proper Floor Type: Choosing the proper floor type also ensures the non-toxicity of the rubber floor. You can opt for natural rubber, recycled rubber, or rubber with low odour. Moreover, like the laminate flooring, rubber flooring is also available in tiles or rolls. So, selecting the appropriate floor format is also important.
Choose the Right Adhesives: Before purchasing the rubber flooring, ensure you choose the right adhesives for its installation. The non-toxic adhesives for rubber tiles include low-VOC, water-based, and solvent-free adhesives.
Conclusion
Rubber flooring is a popular type of flooring, commonly used in both residential and commercial spaces. This flooring absorbs excess sound, creating a more comfortable, quieter space. Additionally, this floor is moisture-resistant, helping prevent falls and slips. Most rubber tiles are non-toxic; however, some of the tiles have VOCs, phthalates, or other harmful chemicals. Before choosing the rubber tiles for your space, follow our instructions to make an informed decision.
