This seems like a no-brainer but I'm running out of options. I ran an "aircraft grade" harbor freight braided steel line in the basement as a zip line for a week but we noticed metal dust coming off it constantly. So, assuming it was killing the children, I took it down. Since then I've tried 5 kinds of non-metal rope that all stretch too much to work, including Kevlar yesterday.
If they're gonna have a zip line it's gotta be metal, apparently. Any other thoughts on how to accomplish this?
Can you grease it? I imagine that'd both cut down on the amount of dust created and then also the amount of dust that gets airborne. Then occasionally wipe it to collect the dust. Kids may go zippier, too, make it a win-win for all.
From a health standpoint, any particle can be nasty on account of its geometry, but steel is mostly made up of okay stuff in our bodies already like iron and carbon. Synthetic ropes would probably be worse. Just a guess though. Also, composites are notoriously nasty. I'd be most comfortable risking a basic steel.
I'm no expert on basement zip lines, but what is sliding down the cable? Some kind of trolley? Steel rollers? If so, any way to use nylon, delrin, plastic rollers?
Or is the line shedding just from flexing?
Perhaps finding some high quality unplated cable and hardened pulleys from an industrial surplus type place would be in order? The HF aircraft grade wire might be flaking it's nickel plating off.
Also be sure to look at where the cable could rub on something as possible sources. The pulleys might be too soft too.
Yeah, my statement was directed towards basic steel. Nickel is bad, mkay.
Only let them play on windy days?
Don't worry, the radon in the basement will cancel it out. 
Old sailboat shrouds. Braided stainless and more than strong enough. While perusing used boat part posts find some harken blocks(pulleys). They have extremely tough rollers and should take the load.
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