Is Climbing Chalk Toxic
Do you have any reservations about climbing? Some fear injury, others worry about their joints; but, an increasing concern is how harmful is the chalk they use.
Let’s start with the good news. Climbing chalk is made from magnesium carbonate, a substance that is non-toxic in its pure form. So, if you were to look at it, touch it, or even rub it, the effects are near harmless.
However, this doesn’t make climbing chalk innocent, there are two ways climbing chalk can affect your health:
- When broken into tiny particles, you risk breathing the dust into your lungs, towards your alveolar sacs. The chalk alone can develop scaring and lung infection; but, the most dangerous cases are when the chalk is contaminated with bacteria.
- Another viewpoint is skin irritation. When worn for prolonged periods, chalk drys your skin and can cause it to crack – it’s a drying agent. While absorbing your hands’ moisture is beneficial for climbing, it can lead to skin diseases if you don’t wash/ rehydrate your hands thoroughly.
It’s more common for individuals to suffer from long-term respiratory issues, rather than cracked skin; plus, it gets a lot more attention as the symptoms are more significant.
What Happens If You Inhale Chalk
The real problems of chalk occur once you inhale it.
Exposing yourself to air with high concentrations of climbing chalk, for prolonged periods, can be harmful to your respiratory system, especially those with existing pulmonary conditions. Samples highlight that it’s not necessarily the magnesium carbonate that poses a risk, but instead, the bacteria that contaminate the chalk.
It’s worst in busy, non-ventilated, non-filtered gyms. For example, one study of chalk dust measured the Appalachian State University as “unhealthy” to “hazardous” range on the Environmental Protection Agency air quality index.
As mentioned, the magnesium carbonate (chalk dust) isn’t the only threat – there is likely to be a build-up of harmful substances that latch onto it, for example:
- When a sample was taken, an article highlights how shocked researchers were to find ‘traces of Salmonella (Salmonella cholereasuis), Staph (Staphylococcus aureus), E-Coli (Escherichia coli) and Candida (Candida albicans).’
Regardless of your fitness levels, inhaling large amounts of these harmful substances is extremely damaging to your lungs. The chalk alone can make you feel wheezy; but, coupled with the bacteria makes it more serious.
But, it’s not just the bacteria to look out for:
Combined with the shedding of dead human skin, dust mites, and airborne germs – a climbing gym doesn’t have the best air quality. All of which contribute to the damage of your respiratory system.
Is this the chalk’s fault? No; these issues are irradicated climbing outdoors. But, can chalk contribute to respiratory issues? Yes; it’s easier for harmful germs to enter your immune system.
Dangers Of Inhaling Chalk Dust
Should you worry if you’ve inhaled chalk dust? Don’t stress. Studies show the risks it carries are more apparent over long-term exposure – not a sudden surprise!
- The immediate effects of breathing in chalk dust are headaches, violent coughs, shortness of breath, and a sore throat. They aren’t anything to worry about, most of these symptoms are attempts by your body to get rid of the chalk.
- If you’re repeatedly in a climbing center with air heavily concentrated by chalk, the consequences become more serious. You risk Silicosis; chalk dust stays in the lungs causing inflammation, scarring, and weakened lungs, as well as risking asthma and worsening pre-existing respiratory conditions.
An imperative factor determining the dust’s impact is it’s particle size:
One study outlines, that larger particles aren’t a risk because our nasopharyngeal region filters them. However, particles measuring 2.5 microns or less may be able to reach our alveolar sacs within the lungs, where the gas-blood exchange occurs. Depending on the size and how long it stays there, alters how dangerous it is to your respiratory system.
If the chalk dust enters your lungs there are two ways it can cause harm:
- The drying agents from the chalk can lead to dehydration on the lung surface, creating shortness of breath.
- As mentioned above, any bacteria that contaminates the dust may weaken your immune system.
Considering its popularity, you may be asking yourself, how serious is this?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (2005), states that magnesium carbonate is a “nuisance particulate.” We infer this as it has low toxicity and mild health problems. However, more recent studies have indicated it to be taken more seriously, due to evidence of its long-term respiratory problems.
Is Climbing Chalk Harmful To Your Eyes
Just like getting shampoo in your eyes during a shower, everyone gets chalk in their eyes when climbing.
Getting chalk in your eyes isn’t as deadly as it may feel. As magnesium carbonate is a non-toxic compound, getting small particles in your eyes isn’t harmful and shouldn’t be something to worry about. Most individuals start to tear as an attempt to rehydrate the eye and remove the chalk.
For the majority, it feels like they have sand in their eyes. You may experience itching, soreness, blurred vision, or your sclera to go red – but, it should start to feel better within 20 minutes. If it’s extremely uncomfortable run your eyes under cold, clean water to help drown out the chalk.
In the worst cases, it can lead to infections such as eye ulcers. This happens if harmful bacteria contaminate the chalk, and enter your pores. Usually by rubbing your eyes and not cleaning them after climbing. However, this only occurs in rare situations and shouldn’t put you off.
Sometimes, you may not even know how the climbing chalk ended up in your eyes! There are three common scenarios:
- A poorly filtered climbing room carrying many airborne chalk particles.
- Rock pockets holding chalk, which fall into your eyes when you grab them.
- Rubbing your eye with fingers full of chalk.
None of them are a fun experience, but all climbers go through them at least once! If you are significantly affected by it, use eye drops sterile liquid to rehydrate your eyes after every session. Also, remember to drink plenty amounts of water – it ensures your tear glands are hydrated to help wash out any dust.
Is Climbing Chalk Edible
Unfortunately, we don’t relate; but, for some climbers, the white, dry-looking chalk looks tasty.
Inhaling chalk is far more dangerous than eating it (in small amounts). However, this isn’t to say chalk is edible or is okay to pass as a meal. Regardless of the circumstances, you shouldn’t consume or place it anywhere near your mouth.
Chalk is made up of magnesium carbonate, a compound that’s relatively harmless to ingest in small quantities. But, just because it’s harmless doesn’t mean you shouldn’t eat it – there will still be consequences.
- The moisture-absorbing properties of the chalk can dehydrate your digestive system. This can make it difficult to process nutrients from other foods, plus you can get a stomach ache, diarrhea or feel the need to vomit.
- By eating chalk, you also digest any bacteria contaminating it. One study found traces of salmonella on chalk – a food poisoning caused by eating contaminated animals. This can make you ill, weaken your immune system, and trigger violent vomiting.
If you’ve accidentally consumed chalk you should be completely fine. Studies highlight small quantities don’t have a significant impact on your health; though, it’s worth finding a toilet ASAP!
What if you can’t help yourself eating chalk? If the taste, and its harmful health consequences haven’t put you off go see a Doctor!
How Climbers Safely Use Chalk
To avoid long-term respiratory problems or inconveniences like chalk dust getting in your eyes, there are a few tips and tricks we’ve learned that’re worth sharing.
Be picky Where You Boulder
O number one tip is to boulder in a room you know is well-ventilated, cleaned often, and has its air filtered regularly. The better it’s filtered, the less chalk dust enters your lungs. One 2016 study from the University of Colorado concluded that bouldering centers without air cleaners have a far higher risk of respiratory illnesses.
Give Yourself An Applause
After rubbing chalk on your hands, clap your hands together to remove excess. Ideally, hold your breath while you do this to avoid inhaling it. Also, remember to wash your hands with warm soapy water after bouldering to decontaminate your hands from chalk dust, bacteria, and other harmful substances.
Don’t Overuse Chalk
John Gill introduced chalk into the climbing world in the 1950’s. But, climbing has been around far longer. While chalk has become a staple requirement to climb, don’t overuse it or apply it unnecessarily. Climbers before the 1950’s have proven the majority of climbing can be done without chalk – just a towel and strong skin!
Strap A Chalk Pouch On Your Back
Rather than placing a chalk pouch directly under your nose, wrap it around your back to reduce the likeliness of dust finding its way into your nose. What’s better, leave it on the ground while you ascend.
Relax, But Next To A Window
Bouldering is an intense sport, and a challenging climb can lead to heavy breathing. While it’s vital for recovery, you risk inhaling airborne chalk dust. To prevent this, rest near a window, outside, or facing away from the wall and floor mats.
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