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Tires contain substances that can be carcinogenic. They are not harmful during normal use, but it is inappropriate for children to bite or lick them, according to the Swedish Chemicals Agency. Gothenburg, like several other cities, has decided to replace them with non-toxic alternatives.
But it doesn’t go fast. In 2015, the local municipality administration said that the change would be ready in 2017. Two years later, in 2019, many swings were removed but no new ones were installed. “Children have to wait even longer to have a playground ready,” officials said in a report.
The substitutes were not non-toxic
This year, the pace has increased. 985 tire swings will be retired before the turn of the year, management announces. But only 30 schools will have new changes before the New Year.
READ MORE: This will be the new Gothenburg rain park
It’s wrong? Well, in addition to the lack of money, it turned out that the “non-toxic” tire swings that the administration had started buying also contained dangerous substances. Then it turned out to be looking for other products.
– Instead, there is a rocking seat that is non-toxic and is a good alternative. But unfortunately it doesn’t work for young children, says Freja Elmsjö, a land engineer for the local administration.
Also, according to Elmsjö, not all schools want new changes. Some want to use the surface for something else.
Empty holes
The result is that some elementary schools have received new changes, while preschools have been left without. Many swing sets are empty for several years.
One of the many examples is Bjurslättsskolan in Hisingen, where tire changes were removed in early 2018 and new ones are now promised before the New Year.
READ MORE: Teen caught on swing
Elmsjö says that she and her colleagues are discussing with the preschool administration about play equipment that can replace the swings. Representatives of the preschool administration do not want to comment on the matter when the GP calls.
Many who hear this say, “Can swings really be that dangerous?” What is your response?
– I don’t think the presence of carcinogens in our gaming environments should be overlooked.
Have you been asked that question many times?
-Yes absolutely. There are also many who wonder if they should not be replaced soon. It’s a constantly burning question, answers Freja Elmsjö.
Swing change
270 schools and preschools in Gothenburg are affected.
30 will have new changes before New Years.
76 has rejected new swings or wants to get rid of the whole swing set.
164 schools and preschools will have to wait for alternatives to tire changes next year.
Source: local government
Can cause cancer
The harmful the substances in tire swings are PAHs, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Some of them are highly carcinogenic.
PAHs are included in so-called highly aromatic oils, which have been used by tire manufacturers to soften them.
Sources: NE, Swedish Chemicals Agency
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