PFAS From Indoor Rock-Climbing Wall Grip Coatings

Water Contamination Lawsuit News

Testing shows coatings used on indoor climbing wall grips may release PFAS during wear, cleaning, and runoff from routine facility maintenance

Wednesday, January 14, 2026 - Indoor rock-climbing gyms have grown rapidly in popularity, especially in cities where outdoor climbing is not easily accessible. These facilities rely on thousands of textured handholds and footholds made from resin and coated to improve grip, durability, and sweat resistance. Recent environmental testing suggests that some grip coatings may contain PFAS, added to help repel moisture and reduce surface breakdown under constant use. As climbers chalk up, sweat, and repeatedly handle the same holds, tiny particles can wear off and settle as dust on floors, mats, and nearby surfaces. During routine cleaning, that dust is swept, vacuumed, or washed away, sending PFAS into floor drains and wastewater systems. For communities already paying attention to PFAS water contamination cancer lawsuit filings and questions raised by a PFAS water contamination attorney, the idea that recreation spaces could add to water contamination is surprising. Climbing gyms clean aggressively to control chalk buildup and bacteria, often power-washing walls or soaking holds between route resets. Each cleaning cycle creates rinse water that may carry PFAS into plumbing. Because gyms operate year-round and serve large numbers of climbers daily, even small releases can accumulate over time and quietly contribute to local PFAS loading.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, PFAS are commonly used in surface coatings because they resist abrasion, moisture, and chemical breakdown, but those same properties allow them to persist once released into the environment. The EPA has documented PFAS in wastewater linked to cleaning activities where coated materials are washed or scrubbed repeatedly. In indoor climbing facilities, grip holds are often removed and washed in bulk using hoses or large sinks, with the wastewater discharged directly into municipal sewers. Treatment plants are not designed to remove fluorinated compounds, allowing PFAS to pass through and enter surface water or groundwater. The EPA has also noted that PFAS can bind to fine particles, meaning chalk dust mixed with worn grip material may act as a transport pathway. Sampling near indoor recreation facilities has shown PFAS patterns consistent with frequent, low-level discharges rather than single industrial releases. Regulators are increasingly aware that gyms, sports centers, and other indoor recreation venues can act as overlooked contributors to environmental contamination, especially when cleaning practices involve heavy water use.

Indoor climbing facilities may begin rethinking the materials they use and how they handle maintenance. Some grip manufacturers are exploring alternative coatings that do not rely on fluorinated chemistry while still offering durability and safety for climbers. Facilities may also change cleaning methods, such as capturing wash water, reducing power-washing frequency, or using filtration on drains in cleaning areas. Clearer labeling of grip materials would help gym owners understand whether PFAS are present and make informed purchasing decisions. Environmental agencies may include recreational facilities in broader PFAS monitoring programs, especially in urban areas where wastewater systems already face high chemical loads. Climbers themselves are becoming more environmentally conscious, often supporting gyms that prioritize sustainability alongside safety.

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