Author – Jackson Balk
Using crumb rubber backing and infill in synthetic turf fields has been a public concern and scientific study topic. Now, these discussions and inquiries have been met with definitive scientific input. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released a comprehensive research report concluding a multi-agency effort under the Federal Research Action Plan on using Tire Crumbs in Playing Fields and Playgrounds (FRAP). This landmark study reassures the safety of synthetic turf fields that employ crumb rubber infill, dismissing previous apprehensions about possible health hazards.
The Synthetic Turf Council (STC) has warmly received the EPA’s findings. Their reaction is not only one of relief but also a reaffirmation of the industry’s unwavering commitment to safety, environmental stewardship, and the creation of sustainable recreational spaces. Melanie Taylor, President and CEO of the Synthetic Turf Council, responded enthusiastically, saying, “Our industry is dedicated to enhancing community spaces through the benefits of synthetic turf systems. They are key to conserving water, providing durable play areas, and ensuring countless hours of recreation nationwide. It’s a major advance to have the largest study ever conducted in the U.S. validate what we’ve stood by — that playing on synthetic turf systems with crumb rubber infill is safe.”
The research was a collaborative and meticulous effort involving the EPA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (CDC/ATSDR), and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). This collective effort, comparing chemical exposure levels of players on synthetic turf fields with those on natural grass, was designed to leave no stone unturned. The results showed no significant difference in the risk of exposure to a range of chemicals, thus supporting the safety of crumb rubber infill.
The EPA’s report also acknowledges three independent research studies that concur with their findings. The Netherlands National Institute for Public Health and the Environment declared that the health risks from sports activities on synthetic turf fields were “extremely low, to virtually non-existent.” Similarly, the European Chemicals Agency saw no grounds to dissuade individuals from using artificial turf fields with recycled rubber granules. Moreover, the National Toxicology Program’s tests indicated that mice had no toxic response from ingesting crumb rubber.
The EPA’s official endorsement of crumb rubber infill is a pivotal advancement for the synthetic turf industry. It clears the air of health-related uncertainties and highlights the ecological merits of repurposing rubber. Such a high-level acknowledgment empowers the artificial turf industry to innovate, providing communities with sustainable, water-efficient, and easy-to-maintain athletic and recreational surfaces.
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Jackson Balk oversees business development for Verde Valley Turf in Arizona.
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