All of our children and families need a safe and healthy place to play and enjoy the outdoors. Unfortunately, many playgrounds in Baltimore are still using toxic, Poured in Place (PIP) materials in their surfaces. These surfaces are made from Recycled Rubber Tire. They contain heavy metals such as LEAD, as well as, many carcinogenic compounds, including PFAS also known as 'forever chemicals'. The MD State Legislature has already identified this and has passed law, HB1147, setting prohibitions on Lead and PFAS in playground surface materials, effective October 1, 2024.

Despite efforts to regulate some of these materials via State law, these synthetic playgrounds also contain dozens of other nonregulated harmful and hazardous chemicals, such as benzenes. These compounds are unregulated and exist because they were intended for tires, not children’s
playgrounds. Children, and even pets, absorb these chemicals by touch, breathing in playground dust, and consuming pieces

These substances pose many serious health risks to children, including respiratory issues, learning disabilities, and potential long-term illnesses like cancer. These playground surfaces can reach temperatures upwards of 160Deg F. and can cause serious burns requiring medical treatment.

We must act now to ensure all playgrounds use safe, non-toxic materials for the well-being of our children. The best natural alternative, in keeping with fall safety ratings and ADA compliance, is natural Engineered Wood Fibers (EWF).

Unfortunately, Mayor Scott and his administration has known about these toxic materials. They have been informed by the experts and have chosen to reaffirm his policy and plan to continue to use these materials in current construction and future playground projects despite HB1147 prohibition. He is justifying the use of these materials by being in compliance with law through a technicality. He is ignoring the experts and the science. Putting our children and loved ones in danger. The health of our children should not overlooked due to technicality. Do not let him ignore the people he is sworn to serve! 

It's unacceptable that our kids are exposed to such dangers while simply trying to enjoy their childhood. 

 

1. Please sign this petition to demand that Mayor Scott provide safer playground surfaces in Baltimore!

2. Email and Call the city:
brandonm.scott@baltimorecity.gov
410-396-3835
RMoore@baltimorecity.gov
410-396-7900

3. Contact, toxic.playground.surfaces.bmore@gmail.com for more information or to get involve. 

4. EMAIL and CALL your local councilmembers to urge them to support this initiative and get the city to stop using these materials!
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Thank you to our local counsel members, our state legislature leadership, and state and national advocacy orgs for your ongoing support. 

 

Flyer on the dangers of this material: