Is Rubber Flooring Toxic? Answers on Rubber Flooring Safety
When it comes to gym or outdoor flooring, safety isn’t just about grip and shock absorption—it’s also about the materials we breathe in and touch every day.
Rubber flooring is not toxic when made with quality-controlled materials and proper manufacturing standards. Certified rubber flooring, like ours at Lanhefloor, is tested for safety and meets international environmental and health regulations.
Many buyers worry about the smell or chemical content in rubber tiles and rolls. But with the right manufacturer, you get flooring that’s not only strong and slip-resistant but also safe for people, pets, and kids. Let me show you why.
What Makes Rubber Flooring Safe or Unsafe?
Not all rubber flooring is created equal—so what really matters?
Safe rubber flooring is made from non-toxic SBR or EPDM granules, processed under strict quality control, and certified for low emissions and child-safe usage.
Dive Deeper: Understanding Rubber Flooring Materials and Certifications
At Lanhefloor, we use primarily SBR (Styrene-Butadiene Rubber) and EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer) in our rubber tiles, rolls, and granules. These are industrial-grade materials, widely used across gyms, playgrounds, and schools. Here’s how each type plays a role:
| Material | Description | Safety Features |
|---|---|---|
| SBR | Recycled rubber from tires, durable and cost-effective | Non-toxic if processed correctly, must be tested for heavy metals and VOCs |
| EPDM | Synthetic rubber, colorful and UV-resistant | Known for stability and low emissions, ideal for children’s spaces |
Our products are EN1177 and CE certified, ensuring they meet the European Union’s safety standards for impact absorption and material health:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}. No harmful phthalates or lead. No mystery fillers.
Why Does Rubber Flooring Smell? Is It Harmful?
It’s common to notice a “rubbery” smell after installation. But does it mean something’s wrong?
The smell comes from harmless volatile organic compounds (VOCs) common in new rubber, which dissipate with time and ventilation. Certified rubber flooring does not emit harmful levels.
Dive Deeper: VOCs, Off-Gassing, and Air Quality
When unpacking and installing rubber flooring, especially in enclosed spaces, you might notice a distinct odor. This is a result of off-gassing—a release of VOCs. However, in properly cured rubber like ours, this off-gassing is within safe limits. Here’s how we ensure that:
- Extended Curing Time: Our tiles and rolls go through a full curing cycle in our factory.
- Material Selection: We avoid low-grade fillers that increase VOC levels.
- Testing: Independent labs test our materials to verify compliance with CE and EN1177 standards.
To speed up odor dissipation:
- Air out the flooring in a ventilated space for 24–72 hours.
- Clean the surface with mild soap and water.
Are Outdoor Rubber Floors Safe for Kids and Pets?
With playgrounds and parks in mind, safety must extend beyond impact resistance.
Yes, outdoor rubber floors made from EPDM or properly treated SBR are safe for kids and pets, offering cushioning, weather resistance, and non-toxic materials.
Dive Deeper: Child-Safe and Eco-Friendly Design
Our outdoor products, especially EPDM granules used in poured-in-place playground floors, are designed to meet high standards for UV resistance, slip prevention, and skin safety. Key features include:
- Soft, shock-absorbing surface: Reduces injury risk during falls
- Non-toxic binders: PU binders with regulated ratios to avoid skin irritation
- Color stability: No dye bleeding or fading under sun and rain
- Recyclable base layers: Made from dyed SBR and black base granules
These products are popular in kindergartens, parks, and schools. We even offer custom color patterns and logos to enhance both safety and visual engagement.
Does Rubber Flooring Release Dangerous Chemicals Over Time?
This is one of the most asked questions from clients who plan long-term installations.
No, certified rubber flooring does not release dangerous chemicals over time when used under normal indoor or outdoor conditions.
Dive Deeper: Longevity and Emission Stability
One concern is whether the rubber breaks down over time and starts releasing unsafe particles or smells. That might happen with extremely poor-quality materials, but here’s what we do differently at Lanhefloor:
- We use industrial-grade, non-toxic binders that don’t degrade into harmful dust or fumes.
- Our products are compression-tested to resist cracking, flaking, or releasing airborne particles.
- Each batch is quality controlled to maintain the balance between performance and environmental safety.
This is why our products are trusted in high-use areas like commercial gyms, yoga zones, and public walkways.
Conclusion
Rubber flooring is safe when you choose certified, high-quality products like ours at Lanhefloor. No toxins. No long-term hazards. Just durable, tested materials you can trust.