How to protect gymnasts from hazardous chemicals at gym facilities

Being a gymnast has its risks—the countless jumps, twists, and landings can take a toll on the body. But there’s another, invisible risk: the equipment used in training contains hazardous flame retardant chemicals that accumulate in air and dust, and eventually end up in the athletes’ bodies. A new study, however, shows that replacing the foam cubes in the landing pits with flame retardant-free alternatives can significantly lower their exposures.