Recreational foam replacement program
Want to participate? Fill out our survey!
Fill out our survey to let us know you're interested in participating in this program. The survey is not a requirement nor an application to the program. However, if you fill out the survey, we will notify you as soon as applications open. Completion of this survey does not guarantee selection for this program.
We are developing a program to help local gyms and recreational facilities replace foam blocks containing flame retardants. As of Jan. 1, 2025, foam blocks with added flame retardants can no longer be sold in Washington. This program will help eligible facilities:
- Cover the cost of transitioning to safer, flame retardant-free products.
- Properly dispose of older foam blocks, which are considered hazardous waste.
The best way to lower exposure is to replace all old foam blocks at the same time rather than one-by-one over time and thoroughly clean areas of foam block dust and debris.
Why transition to flame retardant-free products?
Chemicals in flame retardants are dangerous to human health—linked to cancer, damage to the brain, nervous system, reproductive system, and thyroid. Children are the most at risk. As foam blocks break down over time, those that contain flame retardants release these chemicals into the air where they build up in dust. Staff members, athletes, and children can ingest, inhale, or absorb these dangerous chemicals.
What stage is the program in now?
We are currently gathering information to help us determine the scope of the program. Your input is important so please take a moment to take our survey. We will follow up with respondents when applications are open.
In 2025, we completed a pilot of this program at two Washington gymnastics facilities where we successfully:
- Replaced foam blocks with flame retardant-free alternatives at both locations.
- Helped each facility properly manage and dispose of old material as hazardous waste.
- Thoroughly cleaned the foam pits and refilled with new, flame retardant-free foam blocks.
What can gyms and recreational facilities do right now?
While you prepare to fully replace foam blocks containing flame retardants at your facility, here are steps you and your visitors can take to reduce exposure:
- No food in the gym. Staff and visitors should not eat, serve, or store food in any area where there are foam blocks. Food can easily become contaminated with dust containing flame retardants.
- Wash your hands after leaving the gym and before eating.
- Use separate shoes and clothes for the gym and encourage visitors to do so as well, including placing gym clothes in plastic bags to wash at home.
- Vacuum and dust often around foam pits, especially porous surfaces like carpet. Foam particles with fire retardants can easily disperse throughout the gym, especially as foam blocks age and deteriorate.
- Regularly clean and maintain HVAC and other air filtering systems. Dust from fire retardant foam can enter the air and spread throughout the facility.
- Do an inventory of other products that may contain flame retardants (such as foam mats and furniture), and formulate a replacement plan.
Contact information
Tessa Nania
Product Replacement Specialist
tessa.nania@ecy.wa.gov
206-798-7490