Many of us enjoy exercising, running, and playing sports on the breathable plastic tracks in schools, but during physical activity, we often detect an "odor." Whether it's a newly constructed plastic track or a breathable plastic track used to some extent, they tend to emit a certain "odor." New plastic tracks undoubtedly have a stronger smell than older ones. For many amateur sports enthusiasts, it's unclear where this "odor" comes from and whether it poses any harm to our bodies. So, where does this "odor" come from? How is a "toxic" track formed? Below, I will analyze and provide answers one by one. Sources of odor on breathable plastic tracks:
Poor quality runway materials
Excessive amounts of toluene and xylene diluents were added.
The main component of breathable plastic tracks is polyurethane, which is a combination of "dozens" of materials, featuring a complex composition. Most polyurethanes are an elastic material formed by the chemical reaction of other substances, such as A and B, in a certain proportion. During the reaction process, solvents may be added to adjust the reaction effect, with toluene and xylene as organic solvents used to dilute and extend the curing speed.
2. Banana water (Qian Na water) and gasoline are added as diluents.
We can observe that the primary component of banana oil is xylene, and gasoline contains a certain amount of aromatic hydrocarbons, both of which have unpleasant odors and toxicity. The thickness of plastic tracks is generally around 10 millimeters, making them difficult to volatilize. Not only are they harmful to children, but they also pose greater risks to frontline personnel involved in sports engineering.
3. Added heavy metal dryer - Lead salt.
This substance promotes runway solidification, but lead, a heavy metal, causes pollution. The issue with lead salts is their toxicity. This poison persists in water and soil environments, posing harm to human health.
4. Added Phthalate Plasticizer
The primary function of adding phthalate plasticizers is to enhance the elasticity of the track, meeting national standards. Overuse of phthalate plasticizers not only makes it toxic but also can act as a bactericidal agent for boys.
5. TDI (Toluene-2,4-diisocyanate) Adhesives
TDI is an odorless liquid with a pungent and irritating smell, primarily used to enhance the tensile strength of the track on plastic running tracks.
Can the above 5 points indicate that the culprits of the "smell" and "toxic substances" on the playground are only them? Are there other toxic, smelly substances?
(b) Poor-quality black rubber granules
In the case of breathable plastic running track types, both breathable plastic tracks and composite plastic tracks require the filling of black rubber granules. Artificial grass football fields also frequently use a large amount of filled granules. Analysis of the dangerous components of black rubber granules
The composition of black rubber particles is more complex, primarily made from used tires, cable casings, rubber conveyor belts, rubber seals, foam shoes, and old windows. The composition of the recycled black granules is even more intricate. It involves recycling waste rubber materials. The number of recycling processes is unknown, and benzene and toluene are also added. Both substances have a刺激性 odor and toxicity. Filling the school playground with so many black particles can only lead to predictable consequences.
