Who Is Saying Rubber Mulch Is Safe?

• EPA
• Consumer Product Safety Commission
• ASTM Council – (Formerly American Society for Testing and Materials)
• Mayo Clinic
• Illinois Department of Energy & Natural Resources

What if a Child Swallows a Rubber Chip?

In 1994 the Maryland Environmental Services (MES) put this question to a series of tests. At the MES request, a testing laboratory subjected 3/4 inch pieces of rubber chips to hydrochloric acid (stomach acid). “Visual examination of Insoluble residue appeared to indicate only fibrous reinforcing strands were dissolved by the hydrochloric acid. The tire rubber did not appear to be affected in any way; i.e. chalking, cracking, spauling, fracturing, etc.” (PSI report No. 486-40013-001). What does this mean? If piece of rubber is swallowed, it should not cause any acute or chronic problems. Short-term issues, such as an upset stomach will be a function of the amount of rubber swallowed. As to the fate of the rubber chips swallowed, they are eventually evacuated from the body, just like any other non-digestible material. For further information on playground safety, contact the Consumers Product Safety Commission, Washington. DC 20207; www.cpsc.gov

What if my Dog/Cat is Attracted to the Rubber Mulch?

Fortunately, Front Runner Rubber Mulch is nontoxic for both people and animals.  Animals are generally not attracted to rubber mulch.  We have had reports of animals digging in our mulch as it is much easier than dirt to dig up.  However, our rubber mulch is easily replaced simply by racking it back into place.

Most Accidents on the Playground are Fall Related

According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, each year in the US, over 200,000 children end up in a hospital emergency room after being injured on a playground each year.  Nearly 80% of injuries happen when they fell from an assortment of playground equipment.  Approximately 15 fatalities/year  http://www.cpsc.gov//PageFiles/ 102235/playground2.pdf

Is it flammable?

Rubber mulch has been tested and found to be non-flammable in accordance with the Federal Hazardous Substance Act (16CFR 1500.44) by standards of ‘burns less than .1 inches per second’

Tire chips were tested in 1995 in accordance with the Federal Hazardous Substance Act (16 CFR 1500.44) to determine whether this material would be considered “flammable” (a material is considered flammable if it ignites and burns with a self-sustained flame at a rate greater than 0.1 inches per second along its major axis). From the test results it was concluded that scrap tire material is considered non-flammable.

Safety Regulations

IPEMA
CPSC

• Tested to ASTM F1292-09
• Critical height based on ASTM F1292 Impact attenuation testing
• Minimum Fill
• Depth Data
• Toxicity
• ADA/ABA Access Ability Guidelines for Firmness and Stability based on ASTM F1251
• Recommended to use 9″+ when using other fillers, recommended to use 6″ for rubber

Paint Specs

Amerimulch®, not only do we stand on our products, we stand by them, too. We produce non-hazardous water-based rubber colorants that are free of harmful toxins. Our Color-Safe Technology means they are safe for plants, animals and children. Recent lab tests concluded that, when coatings are fully cured according to specifications, all Ricochet® products met the criteria established by:

• The American National Standard Specifications to Minimize Hazards to Children from Residual Surface Coating Materials- F963-96a (4.3.5 Paint and Similar Coating Material).
• The Consumer Products Safety Act- Considered not to be toxic according to 16 CFR (Consumer Products Safety Commission).
• The Federal Hazardous Substance Act for lead content and flammability.

Colorbiotics

In the studies, toxicity is tested using a variety of reaction types — from acute oral, skin, and inhalation toxicity to eye and skin irritation. The results place the colorant used in colored mulch into the lowest and safest level of toxicity possible — Category IV ― the same level as the sugar you put in your coffee (which is not to say we recommend consuming it). By contrast, table salt and baking soda have higher levels of toxicity.

Why should I choose Rubber Mulch over Wood Mulch?

Several reasons.  Front Runner Rubber Mulch will not rot, decompose, and since our product is about 5x heavier than traditional mulches, it is less likely to blow or wash away.  There is minimal maintenance compared to a traditional wood mulch.  The typical maintenance can include a yearly top-off, raking heavy traffic areas, and sweeping sidewalks/pathways.  Front Runner Rubber Mulch is a premium product that will last you 10 years with little yearly maintenance compared to wood mulch.  It does not harbor pests and decreases weeds.  Front Runner Rubber Mulch is a green product!  By purchasing Front Runner Rubber Mulch, you are creating a use for millions of pounds of recycled tires in the state of Colorado each year!

How much Rubber Mulch will I need?

You can calculate the amount of mulch you’ll need using the calculator found on the home page, click here.

How much does 1 yard cover?

About 27sq ft.

How long will my rubber mulch last?

Front Runner Rubber Mulch doesn’t rot or decompose like your typical wood mulch.  It is made out of synthetic rubber so it takes much longer to break down.

What if my child eats a rubber granule?

It will pass just as any other non edible item will.  It may result in a stomach ache but, will not breakdown in the stomach.

Where can I purchase Front Runner Rubber Mulch?

If you are in the Denver area, check our local map and see where we distribute or visit us in Sedalia!  You can also order straight from the website or by phone to have it delivered.  We delivery across all of The United States, call us for a quote!

How deep should I have my layer of mulch?

For playgrounds, 6+ inches is recommended for safety. At 6″ deep, it is ASTM compliant for falls of up to 12 feet. For landscape projects, we recommend 2+ inches to deter weed growth. For our arena mix, give us a call – there are a few variables that determine mulch depth depending on your surface need.