![]() ![]() Use liquid climbing chalk - If you don’t like using solid climbing chalk, the liquid version isn’t a bad option.Sure, they might look unsightly, but a little bit of nose hair sticking out isn’t that bad! They catch dust particles and prevent these particles from entering your lungs. Leave your nose hairs alone - Nose hairs are there for a reason.Windy conditions are the best, but stay away from dusty locations to avoid dust in your eyes. Go outdoors - Whenever possible, climb outdoors! You won’t need to worry much about air quality or ventilation, even if you’re climbing in a group.It might take some time, but it’s definitely worth the practice. Neti pots are your friend - Have you ever used a Neti pot? If you haven’t, it might be a good idea to start now! Neti pots are a great way to flush out your sinuses after a climb.These gyms have a built-in system that removes chalk dust and other particles in the air to help you breathe better. Look for gyms with a chalk filtration system - Quality indoor climbing gyms invest in sound air filtration systems, not just ventilation.However, it might be an excellent trade-off to protect yourself against airborne particles. You might find it a bit harder to breathe, particularly if you’re in an indoor gym. Use a facemask - if using climbing chalk is unavoidable, you can wear a facemask to help protect you against the particulates.Busy and cramped climbing gyms probably don’t have good ventilation, and you’ll be at risk of breathing in chalk dust and other harmful particulates. Avoid crowded indoor climbing gyms - While it’s fun to hang out with climbing buddies at a climbing gym, look for ones that have good ventilation and wide spaces.If you’re climbing indoors, you’ll probably not need to use chalk since you can use grips along the climbing route. As mentioned above, excessive use of climbing chalk can lead to respiratory and skin problems. Use climbing chalk only when necessary - Learn when you need to use chalk.Since you need climbing chalk to make your climb safe, how do you ensure you use it safely? Here are ten things that you can do: Over time, this can lead to your skin drying out and cracking. Remember, chalk dust is an abrasive desiccant, which means that whenever you use the substance, microscopic particles are rubbing against your skin constantly. ![]() A 2016 study found that poorly-ventilated climbing gyms can cause adverse effects on your health, given the amount of chalk dust, dust mites, and other harmful debris in the air.Īnother study conducted by the University of Colorado also concluded that indoor climbing gyms that don’t use air cleaners have higher instances of respiratory illnesses such as pulmonary problems and asthma.Īside from inhalation, chalk dust can irritate your skin when used excessively. Indoor climbing gyms are pretty notorious when it comes to the amount of chalk dust in the air. When you pinch the chalk, bacteria can transfer on the chalk and become airborne as you rub the chalk into your skin. What’s more, contaminants in the chalk can cause illnesses.įor example, if you use climbing chalk outdoors, you’re probably not washing your hands regularly. However, breathing it in is another matter.īreathing in climbing chalk dust can cause respiratory issues and cause symptoms such as asthma, coughing, and wheezing. You can even ingest tiny amounts of it without any adverse effects. Alright, time for the critical question: is it dangerous to use climbing chalk?Ĭlimbing chalk is an inert, non-toxic compound.
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