Seven rubber myths, debunked
Myth 1: Rubber shoes, boots and tires are good protection from lightening.
Fact: The myth underestimates the fortitude of a lightening. It’s not just that rubber is insufficient - rubber products are usually a good insulator. However, air is, too, and a lightening bolt pushes through miles and miles of air, which means a half-inch of rubber won’t stop it. (Source: http://stormhighway.com/rubber_shoes_boots_lightning_protection_myth.php)
Most people know that cars are good lightening shelters. Contrary to common wisdom, it’s not the rubber tires insulating the car from a lightening, but rather the metal. (Source: http://www.weatherimagery.com/blog/rubber-tires-protect-lightning/)
Myth 2: Rubber flooring is great for use as garage flooring
Fact: Google says that ~590 people search for “rubber garage flooring” every month in the USA. The reason rubber flooring in garages is not recommended is because the rubber flooring is typically made from rebonded rubber, held together by polyurethane-based glue. That glue can break down over time! (Source: http://flooringinc.com/blog/rubber-flooring-5-myths-busted/)
Myth 3: Rubber flooring can be used as basketball court flooring
Fact: Rubber burns can really hurt you. Instead of rubber, you can always go with a vinyl roll that includes a rubber backing to have cushion for your basketball court! (Source: http://flooringinc.com/blog/rubber-flooring-5-myths-busted/)
Myth 4: Rubber flooring will make your home smell like a tire store
Fact: Rubber flooring is made primarily from rubber. This means that when you first get your flooring, the smell will be there. But over the next few days/weeks the air will ventilate the smell and you won’t even notice it. (Source: http://flooringinc.com/blog/rubber-flooring-5-myths-busted/)
Myth 5: Rubber and foam floor tiles are the same thing
Fact: Foam floor tiles are made out of ethylene-vinyl acetate. This is the same kind of foam used in wall pads, kids folding mats, bicycle seats, basketball pole pads, etc. Rubber tiles are made from SBR Rubber (the black stuff recycled from tires), EPDM Rubber (The bright colorful flecks mixed in with the black stuff), or virgin rubber (made from trees or synthetically). Foam is light and inexpensive. Rubber is heavy, dense, and more durable. (Source:http://flooringinc.com/blog/rubber-flooring-5-myths-busted/)
Myth 6: Rubber is an excellent insulator
Fact: Rubber can be an excellent insulator against sound. But rubber is not the best against temperature transmission. If you put rubber over a cold matter, it will feel cold. However, rubber insulation will make sounds of your weight lifting sound much quieter in other rooms.(Source: http://flooringinc.com/blog/rubber-flooring-5-myths-busted/)
Myth 7: Exposure to crumb rubber can cause cancer
Truth: A January 2007 study by the California EPA definitely determined that playing on an athletic field made partially of crumb rubber did not pose a significant risk for cancer. (Source: http://www.astroturf.com/scientific-studies/crumb-rubber/)