Rubber crumb carcinogenic. It also lists sources of further information.

Rubber crumb carcinogenic Methods Competing risk survival analyses were used to examine cancer mortality risk in a cohort of 36 441 males aged 35+ years employed in the British rubber industry in 1967, followed up to 2015 (94% Crumb rubber is recycled rubber produced from automotive and truck scrap tires. (A)—Macroimage of studied rubber crumb; (B)—SEM image of rubber crumb sample at 2500× magnification. They also pay taxes to maintenance existing fields and create more fields including mowing. ) Purpose The installation of synthetic turf athletic fields by school districts, municipal governments, colleges & universities, and professional sports organizations has become widespread throughout Are tires carcinogenic? According to the EPA, benzene, mercury, styrene-butadiene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and arsenic, among several other chemicals, heavy metals and carcinogens, have been found in tires. METHODS: Epidemiological studies published after the last detailed review by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in 1982 were reviewed. Jul 28, 2025 · The Tire Crumb Rubber Characterization (Part 1) Report outlined that, as expected, a range of metals, semivolatile organic compounds, volatile organic compounds and bacteria were detected in recycled tire crumb rubber infill. These tests, along with existing scientific information from the literature, will help us better understand the make-up of tire crumb rubber. Oct 1, 2022 · Most analyses of the health and environmental hazards of artificial turf usage have focused on crumb rubber, although each synthetic layer can provide additional sources of exposure to hazardous chemicals. A previous NBC News investigation raised questions about the safety of Information About Crumb-Rubber Infilled Synthetic Turf Athletic Fields Information About Crumb-Rubber Infilled Synthetic Turf Athletic Fields is available in Portable Document Format (PDF, 12 pp. Playground surfaces also use loose rubber mulches underneath swings, slides and other playground equipment to cushion the ground when a child falls. Jul 30, 2024 · A study found that rubber crumb used in artificial turf contained carcinogenic compounds at levels 1. The presence of carcinogenic substances in rubber granulate made from old car tyres raised concerns that the use of this granulate as infill on synthetic turf pitches may cause leukaemia and lymphoma in young football players and goalkeepers. . Mar 27, 2024 · The report explores (1) what is known about crumb rubber infill hazards and used by science, policy makers and regulators internationally and nationally (2) what informs decision-making and Jun 27, 2016 · While it is true that crumb rubber infill is made from waste tires and contains carcinogens and heavy metals and therefore poses a health risk for those who play on it, EPDM is also a rubber Jul 16, 2020 · Tire crumb rubber is recycled tires and tire material. I’ve seen statements saying they cause cancer online and others saying they’re safe. Mar 14, 2023 · The small rubber pieces made from ground-up tires and used in artificial turf have been tested and shown to contain a number of dangerous substances that have been classified as carcinogens. Apr 2, 2024 · However, a report in the various Scottish publications quotes a researcher from the University of Stirling as saying; “Ban toxic 3G crumb rubber pitches in Scotland”. Aug 12, 2025 · Is rubber toxic to humans? Discover the dangers of rubber fumes, their effects on health, and tips to minimize exposure. Mar 6, 2018 · A 2018 study examined particulate matter and chemicals from 1 sample of recycled tire rubber, 2 new tire rubber, a single 7-year-old sample of natural rubber, and 1 sample of last-generation thermoplastic elastomer crumb (TPE). The obtained rubber crumb was subjected under detailed study describing the concentration of heavy metals, identification and quantification of PAHs, and the ecotoxicological tests to reveal endpoint consequences on selected water and soil Oct 24, 2016 · SINGAPORE — Synthetic football pitches in Singapore are coming under scrutiny due to concerns over the carcinogenic properties of rubber crumb used as infills of such surfaces, with the Ministry Mar 6, 2024 · That’s why we go through extensive measures to ensure all of our products are 100% non-toxic. Feb 20, 2021 · Significant contributor to microplastic ocean pollution “Today we know that rubber from car tyres is one of the most significant contributors to microplastic pollution in the oceans. high school football fields used artificial turf made with plastic grass and “rubber pellets” made from tires, known to contain multiple chemicals and heavy metals, including mercury, lead, benzene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and arsenic. These chemicals Feb 23, 2015 · “And carbon black is a carcinogen. Do you know what brand/type of rubber mulch they bought? I live in an area where use of crumb rubber for certain applications is banned; crumb rubber is specifically the recycled tire product, and, to my understanding, it is as dangerous as they say, unfortunately. "Crumb Rubber" and the Risk of Carcinogens in Playgrounds Por Nohan Meza February 2024 Tires are engineered products that need to withstand temperatures of up to 195 degrees Fahrenheit and a resistance of over 40 PSI. Read more. May 23, 2025 · Is “Rubber Mulch Toxic” the Whole Story? The Texas A&M University study offers a refreshing dose of real-world perspective on rubber mulch toxic concerns. Industry says that ‘all these hazardous chemicals are going to be sealed in for at least seven to eight years’, says Watterson, because additional processes encapsulate the rubber crumb using polyurethane and other elastomers. Tire crumb contains a large number of chemicals, many of which are known to be hazardous to human health and the environment. May 18, 2024 · However, the Healthy Building Network does not find this testing to be comprehensive enough since it’s only a spot check. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, United states department of health and human services, united states center for disease control and prevention. Very high levels of total PAHs were found in samples 2, 9 and 1. Shredded and crumb rubber also contain lead, cadmium, and other metals known to damage the developing nervous system. gov Oct 24, 2021 · Concerns have been raised about exposure to carcinogenic chemicals resulting from contact with synthetic turf fields, particularly the infill material (“crumb rubber”), which is commonly fabricated from recycled tires. Public health concern for playing on synthetic turf fields with crumb rubber infill has increased in recent years. May 3, 2018 · Aged crumb rubber and new crumb rubber appear to pose similar toxic risks to earthworms. The released metals available for pickup on the Sep 23, 2019 · Human Health Concerns – There is building evidence on toxins identified in crumb rubber. Devulcanization: Reverses the vulcanization (cross-linking) process in rubber, restoring elasticity and plasticity so it can be reused and even blended with virgin materials to go back directly into high value applications. , markets for crumb rubber include new rubber products, playground and other sports surfacing, and rubber-modified asphalt. Apr 12, 2023 · Crumb rubber tends to be the most talked about toxic stuff in artificial turf, but modern artificial turf contains what may be an even more insidious threat: PFAS. It is widely used for sports fields for being more hard-wearing and resistant than natural surfaces. For this reason, we wanted to investigate whether rubber granules can contaminate seawater, and whether it is toxic for marine organisms. S. Instead of testing pristine laboratory samples, researchers examined crumb rubber mulch from 16 actual public playgrounds that had been weathered, worn, and thoroughly used by children. There is no detail on the types of cancer these players have or how the specific carcinogens in the ground rubber is known to cause a specific cancer. ” In 2007, Alderman and her colleagues predicted the four carcinogens found in crumb rubber would affect players within 10 years. ” They look very pretty and feel spongy if a child falls, but the evidence shows the toxic chemicals in Apr 15, 2025 · Learn about the carcinogenic risks of crumb rubber infill in artificial turf and why alternative infills like coconut fiber and sand are safer for kids. No, synthetic turf fields made with crumb rubber infill do contain chemicals that have been shown to cause cancer. 18 The recycled tire rubber had a greater concentration of toxic elements, such as heavy metals. Feb 23, 2021 · Turf rubber infill is a popular option for artificial turf and comes in two varieties: crumb rubber & EPDM. g. May 2, 2025 · Toxic compounds like lead and benzene in crumb rubber from recycled tires pose cancer risks. But we’ve known that for ages. Archie Bleyer, M. Jul 23, 2025 · One of the most toxic contents in the turf is the rubber crumb used as infill, which are tiny pellets made from recycled car tires. Apr 23, 2022 · Rubber waste, in the form of granules of styrene butadiene rubber and ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer with a particle size of 0. His report has called for a ban on crumb rubber pitches as a precautionary and preventative measure. It also lists sources of further information. synthetic turf field recycled tire crumb rubber research under the federal research action plan. Apr 15, 2025 · Characterization of the chemicals found in tire crumb rubber - EPA and CDC/ATSDR tested tire crumb rubber from different tire recycling facilities and fields. Figure 1 compares levels of total PAHs and carcinogenic PAHs in rubber crumb from the various football fields. Dec 1, 2022 · Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, United states department of health and human services, united states center for disease control and prevention. Artificial turf is surface of synthetic fibers resembling natural grass. See full list on cpsc. A better name for crumb rubber is actually “toxic tires. Several government agencies and nongovernmental Dec 30, 2024 · Though a lot of materials go into the making of rubber flooring, quality rubber flooring remains safe for you and your family. Apr 16, 2024 · What chemicals are in the crumb rubber? Crumb rubber is made from recycled tires. Feb 1, 2019 · Our objective was to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of a broad range of chemical components of crumb rubber infill using computational toxicology and regulatory agency classifications from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to inform future exposure studies and risk analyses. Crumb rubber from recycled tires contains numerous potential carcinogenic and toxic substances. Jul 31, 2024 · The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in coordination with the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) are investigating whether crumb rubber might be harmful in their “Federal Research Action Plan on Recycled Tire Crumb Used on Playing Fields and Playgrounds”. Crumb rubber is made from recycled tires and contains small amounts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as well as heavy metals (zinc, iron, manganese and lead). Aren’t there toxic chemicals in infill? Crumb rubber infill Mar 1, 2022 · Learn about key data from human health risk assessments of SBR crumb rubber in artificial turf, aiding environmental health professionals in risk management. As a result of the increasing environmental and health concerns associated with crumb rubber, the artificial turf industry is producing infills made from alternative materials. Manufacturers face lawsuits for failing to warn about these hazards. What are the various markets for crumb rubber? In the U. Health concerns about synthetic turf are related to the “crumb rubber” used in the top layer of these products to provide extra padding and keep the “grass” upright. Jul 23, 2020 · Leaching of zinc, bisphenol A, benzothiazole and n-cyclohexylformamide from pristine crumb rubber granulate (RGS) into seawater over 30 days at a crumb rubber concentration of 100 g L –1. Oct 1, 2023 · Most analyses of the health and environmental hazards of artificial turf usage have focused on crumb rubber, although each synthetic layer can provide additional sources of exposure to hazardous chemicals. Objectives To quantitatively evaluate exposure-response associations between occupational exposures to rubber dust, fumes and N-nitrosamines and cancer mortality in the UK rubber industry. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides detailed information about the potential risks associated with tire crumb rubber, often used in rubber mulch. It contains various volatile organic compounds, metals such as lead, zinc, and chromium, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), plasticizers, such as phthalates, bisphenol A (BPA), and black carbon (Source, source and source) Public health concern for playing on synthetic turf fields with crumb rubber infill has increased in recent years. ” The infills, made up of tiny, black granules, most frequently come from recycled, shredded end-of-life tyres and are also used in playground­s and landscapin­g. Despite industry’s claims that synthetic turf fields with crumb rubber are safe, many towns and schools have become skeptical of these claims. Heavy metals such as lead and zinc have been detected in rubber mulch, triggering worries about potential harmful effects on human health. During the recycling process, steel and tire cord (fluff) are removed, leaving tire rubber with a granular consistency. (The material used to cushion artificial turf) Crumb rubber is a near-identical material as rubber mulch, it is just much smaller. When tires from cars, trucks, and other vehicles are worn out, damaged, or replaced, tires are recycled and can be used again for construction, new rubber products, or infill (filling) material in playgrounds and sports surfacing. Tires are manufactured from natural and synthetic rubber along with many chemical additives, including zinc, sulfur, black carbon, and oils that contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Several government agencies and nongovernmental Crumb rubber infill is commonly made from granulated end-of-life tyres (ELT), consisting mostly of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). I’m concerned because our local playground utilized rubber for their big kid area and regular mulch around the smaller play structure. I'm not refuting that the chemicals used could be carcinogenic but not all carcinogens are created equal, asbestos for example is quite different than CO. 7 times higher than allowed in consumer products They classify fertilizer and herbicide as causing cancer. Made from shredded recycled tires, rubber mulch is popular because it’s durable and low maintenance. New guidelines Safe Storage – Combustible materials, prevent and control fire:PPG29 are also A new study3 shows rubber crumb playgrounds release an estimated 1. We put together a research team with colleagues from SINTEF Ocean – Dr Feb 1, 2024 · Crumb Rubber and Associated Risks Crumb rubber infill of artificial turf fields (derived from shredded end-of-life automobile tires) represents one of the largest individual contributors to microplastics at ≈38% of the total estimated release from intentionally added products into the European environment. Jun 21, 2019 · Rubber crumb is produced from used tires that are processed and recycled into rubber crumb granules for use as infill. Mar 31, 2025 · The Part 1 Tire Crumb Rubber Characterization Research Report from EPA and CDC/ATSDR, which was released in 2019, summarizes results for the physical, chemical, and microbiological characterization for tire crumb rubber used on synthetic turf fields. They’re used in countless parks, sports fields and stadiums from coast to coast. The note outlines the nature of the problem, the risks, and the steps that can be taken to reduce the risks. After an extensive review, the results are clear: these materials, when used in athletic and recreational fields, do not pose a concern for human health. How can people be exposed to the chemicals in the crumb rubber? Mar 22, 2018 · Poured-in-place (PIP) rubber surface systems are becoming a popular material for playground and play area surfaces due to their customizability, durability, and impact protection. [1] The European Union (EU) in 2023 decided to ban microplastic use including crumb rubber infills in 3G sports pitches by 2031 for a variety of interlocking environmental, health and sustainability reasons. It is used to reduce the risk of injuries on playgrounds, as well as on running tracks and in water parks. However, artificial turf contains many additional components that may leach harmful chemicals. Competing risk survival analyses were used to examine cancer mortality Our objective was to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of a broad range of chemical components of crumb rubber infill using computational toxicology and regulatory agency classifications from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to inform future exposure studies and risk analyses. , clinical research professor at the Knight Cancer Institute of the Oregon Health & Science University, and former chairman of the Children’s Cancer Group, spent 10 years with other researchers Dec 19, 2018 · The presence of carcinogenic substances in rubber granulate made from old car tyres raised concerns that the use of this granulate as infill on synthetic turf pitches may cause leukaemia and Discover the truth about rubber mulch issues, including toxicity concerns, crumb rubber playground safety, and actionable tips for safe usage. In 2007 HSL (the Health and Safety Laboratory) produced a briefing note on the risks from the spontaneous heating of piled tyre shred and crumb. According to the EPA, several chemicals can leach out from recycled tire rubber used in playgrounds and other applications. To endure these extreme conditions, rubber has to be combined with a series of chemicals, including lead. Mar 22, 2024 · The report says: “Crumb rubber contains a wide range of carcinogen­s. 1-3 How are humans exposed? Aug 14, 2025 · Crumb rubber - made by grinding up used tires - sits beneath the turf to cushion impacts, but is more dangerous than meets the eye. Learn about the impact on youth sports, potential class actions, and expert opinions on artificial turf safety. Abstract OBJECTIVES: To examine the recent epidemiological evidence on cancer risk among workers in the rubber industry. Many studies have been performed on recycled tire rubber and it's many uses. Protect yourself from harmful fumes. La Voz es una publicación independiente sin fines de lucro que depende de su ayuda para seguir existiendo. The European Commission has targeted 2031 to ban Apr 19, 2024 · EPA, CDC release final report on recycled crumb rubber used in playing fields According to the report, players are not at elevated risk of exposure to certain chemicals, metals or air emissions from playing fields using crumb rubber infill. ” They look very pretty and feel spongy if a child falls, but the evidence shows the toxic chemicals in Apr 2, 2024 · However, a report in the various Scottish publications quotes a researcher from the University of Stirling as saying; “Ban toxic 3G crumb rubber pitches in Scotland”. Carcinogenic contaminants like dioxins may be present in trace—but potent—amounts. Every day, millions of Europeans play on all-weather sports pitches that use plastic or rubber granules as infill material. However, what is critical to consider are the routes of exposure and potential dose someone receives. The granules and Aug 19, 2022 · Many artificial turf fields contain infill made from waste tires; this infill is referred to as crumb rubber, or tire crumb. There should not be skin contact with mixtures, but there obviously is with rubber crumb. D. Aug 14, 2025 · Disposing of synthetic rubber waste, particularly tires, challenges recycling and management. This is even more alarming given the proximity of the test sites to Great Barrier Reef catchment, and other research suggesting tyre chemicals may have toxic health effects on both marine and human life. Crumb rubber manufactured from recycled automobile tires contains potentially toxic and carcinogenic substances, and, with over 12,000 synthetic turf fields in the United States, the potential for exposure is widespread. Studies have found that crumb rubber can emit gases that can be inhaled. 1 These infills contain various chemicals often from end-of-life rubber tyres. They are part of the analysis anyone should undertake when determining whether or not to use mulch from recycled tires on a playground. Oct 6, 2023 · The possibility of cancer-causing chemicals and lead in the recycled tires used in the crumb rubber surfaces on playgrounds across the district brought several parents to the school board meeting held on Wednesday, September 20, with Lee Kelly saying she first became aware of the potential danger of lead poisoning when her family fell ill during a home renovation. Dec 16, 2016 · But the fact that crumb rubber contains carcinogens doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s dangerous to people or leads to cancer. 2 3 Great Britain (GB; England, Scotland, Wales) has thousands of 3G pitches. This study suggests an environmental cost associated with the current tire-recycling solution. Because of this skepticism, many are opting for alternative infills, even though most of the alternative infills are more expensive. What toxins are present in turf, and why are nations reducing their usage One of the most toxic contents in the turf is the rubber crumb used as infill, which are tiny pellets made from recycled Jul 24, 2025 · Millions of discarded tires, which are processed into 'crumb rubber' granules, previously were a huge cost in the billions, as landfills charged a fee for each & every tire discarded. According to the Ministry of Sports, Netherlands, covering 60 Mar 15, 2022 · Social and environmental concern about the use of crumb rubber from end-of-life car tires in the construction of different sport and recreational faci… May 5, 2025 · For the record, the crumb rubber in artificial turf may contain known carcinogens such as benzene. Feb 12, 2023 · It would be unethical to expose children to potentially carcinogenic substances just for the sake of experimentation, leaving the complete toxicity of crumb rubber in question. Recycled rubber flooring is made from recycled tires, this is also called crumb rubber. According to the Synthetic Turf Council, recycled tires are washed, and the dangerous chemicals are encased in the rubber. In playgrounds and synthetic turf fields, tire crumb rubber provides cushioning and firmness to the surface. Crumb rubber granulate (CRG) produced from end of life tires (ELTs) is commonly applied to synthetic turf pitches (STPs), playgrounds, safety surfaces and walkways. 5–3. Vol. The soft infill makes the pitches more durable, weather-proof and adds shock absorption and traction. While mechanical grinding can convert tires into crumb rubber for various applications, large quantities still end up in landfills or are incinerated. That’s because the little black pellets are made from old tires, and these tires contain a toxic mix of chemicals that are linked to a variety of health effects, including cancer. Evaluation of potential carcinogenicity of organic chemicals in synthetic turf rubber crumb (Perkins et al. Jul 27, 2025 · The rubber, or “crumb,” particles that remain can be used as an input material for textiles, carpets, or coatings. May 5, 2021 · The potentially toxic human exposure to chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), metals and others (volatile organic compounds (VOCs), plasticizers, antioxidants and additives) existing in ELTs (and in the resulting crumb rubber) is being studied, with no definitive conclusions. The U. The National Toxicology Program (NTP) conducted research to Dec 2, 2014 · The rubber mulch in Bandon is made of the same recycled tire rubber that is used as infill in crumb rubber artificial turf. 1. Apr 7, 2025 · The multi-year study assessed more than 300 different chemical substances found in crumb rubber across various geographic regions. A full-sized 3G pitch required Everyoneplaying on 3G crumb rubber pitches is exposed to carcinogenic chemicals that are 100-1,000 times more toxic than ordinary plastic articles and up to 2,000 times more toxic than children's toys. The kids And thus crumb rubber presents an attractive target for adverse health claims – a strange material (what are these small black pellets?), known to contain certain carcinogens, used on fields where children play, and which attach to skin and clothing or could presumably be ingested. Jun 9, 2019 · Concerns raised over 'carcinogenic' rubber crumb 3G pitch as part of Devon FA ‘Wembley of the West' plans Published June 09, 2019 Everyone playing on 3G crumb rubber pitches is exposed to carcinogenic chemicals that are 100-1,000 times more toxic than ordinary plastic articles and up to 2,000 times more toxic than children's toys. 18 The recycled tire rubber had a greater concentration of toxic elements, such as heavy metals. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Research and Development (ORD) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) have worked collaboratively to complete the research activities on synthetic turf playing fields under the “Federal Research Action Plan on Recycled Tire Crumb Used on Playing Fields This includes various endocrine disruptors and heavy metals. After 14 days, a distinct coloration of the seawater was clearly visible, indicating leaching and dispersion of fine CRG particulates (Supplementary Figure S2). ” To quantitatively evaluate exposure-response associations between occupational exposures to rubber dust, fumes and N-nitrosamines and cancer mortality in the UK rubber industry. 5 to 4 mm, is broadly used for the construction of synthetic Oct 30, 2019 · The turf industry maintains crumb rubber is safe. While previous environmental impact Sep 17, 2024 · Human exposure to chemicals in artificial turf Artificial turf fields contain crumb rubber infill recycled from tires. Nov 14, 2023 · Despite growing concerns regarding the safety of rubber crumb, which has known toxic and carcinogenic properties, Australian studies and regulations on these materials remain in their infancy. Is there any consensus on whether or not rubber mulch used at playgrounds are safe? My gut reaction is to want to avoid them, but that’s not very scientific. An HHRA is a systematic, evidence-based process through which the potential for future adverse health effects Mar 22, 2024 · The rubber used in 3G pitches is often from used car tyres, which can contain chemicals such as lead and mercury that are possibly carcinogenic. Most use infills of crumb rubber from recycled tires; this use is controversial because of concerns that the tires contain carcinogens, though research into the issue is ongoing. Our young athletes are unknowingly exposed to carcinogens like lead, mercury, and more. Of note, Aug 22, 2024 · In general, the findings from the entire playing fields portion of the FRAP study (both the Tire Crumb Characterization Part 1 and the Tire Crumb Exposure Characterization Part 2 combined) support the conclusion that although chemicals are present (as expected) in the tire crumb rubber, and exposures can occur, they are likely limited. ) Purpose The installation of synthetic turf athletic fields by school districts, municipal governments, colleges & universities, and professional sports organizations has become widespread throughout The infill typically consists of “crumb rubber”—shredded rubber particles made from recycled automotive tires. 2019) Using an Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity (ADMET) Predictor, it was determined that of the 306 chemicals in rubber crumb, 197 met the theoretical criteria for carcinogens. 2 million crumbs into the immediate environment (within four meters of these sites) on average. Learn the pros & cons of using rubber infill. Studies have shown that rubber crumb taken from synthetic turf fields contain hazardous materials such as volatile organic chemicals, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and semi volatile organic chemicals (SVOCs). La Voz is a free, 20-page monthly publication in Spanish that serves the Hispanic communities of the Mid-Hudson Valley. In addition to fillers, stabilizers, cross-linking agents and secondary components (e. Recycled rubber, also known as tire crumb, is made by shredding or grinding old tires into small pieces. 6 This ELT infill can either be used in its original state, or coated with ethylene-propylene diene monomer (EPDM) to add colour and potentially reduce environmental pollution. Mar 3, 2017 · The European Chemicals Agency has allayed health fears over synthetic sports pitches, with research showing that recycled tyre rubber, which is used extensively in artificial 3G and 4G pitches Mar 1, 2018 · Crumb rubber recycled and produced from scrap tires became popular material for playground and play area surfaces in many parts of the world due to their customizability, durability, and impact Mar 14, 2016 · The European Commission has asked for the European Chemicals Agency to begin an investigation to establish whether the crumb rubber used as infill on scores of synthetic Gaelic, soccer and rugby Natural rubber and synthetic rubber (butadiene rubber, and styrene-butadiene rubber): The use of natural rubber and synthetic rubber polymers in combination improves tire performance. ” Foreword The U. Apr 8, 2024 · Crumb rubber infill is a very common type of infill and it contains a long list of hazardous chemicals. Recycled rubber flooring may contain more contaminants than virgin rubber says the Healthy Building Network. Here are some of the key substances identified: Is rubber crumb dangerous? Testing the rubber crumb in a lab is the easy bit, and it has been found that it does contain a number of chemicals that are considered carcinogenic (external link). Landfills in 38 states, including NY, prohibit tires due to the A 2018 study examined particulate matter and chemicals from 1 sample of recycled tire rubber, 2 new tire rubber, a single 7-year-old sample of natural rubber, and 1 sample of last-generation thermoplastic elastomer crumb (TPE). Jul 8, 2022 · In 2016 EPA completed a report looking specifically at tire crumb rubber playgrounds meant only to explain the best ways to test such surfaces for chemicals. The National Toxicology Program (NTP) conducted research to May 5, 2021 · The potentially toxic human exposure to chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), metals and others (volatile organic compounds (VOCs), plasticizers, antioxidants and additives) existing in ELTs (and in the resulting crumb rubber) is being studied, with no definitive conclusions. May 31, 2024 · If you’ve spent any time on a playground, sports field, or in an equestrian arena you’ve likely encountered rubber mulch or crumb rubber – even a stroll through a garden may unveil its use as a landscaping material. Oct 1, 2022 · All of the studies reported above used crumb rubber, a popular infill material. According to the Ministry of Sports, Netherlands, covering 60 Aug 12, 2025 · Is rubber toxic to humans? Discover the dangers of rubber fumes, their effects on health, and tips to minimize exposure. , pigments, oils, resins), ELTs contain a range of other organic compound and heavy metal additives. Oct 27, 2016 · Parents are raising concerns about the chemicals in the crumb rubber made of ground up car tires that is commonly used in artificial surface playing fields around the Triangle. Oct 8, 2014 · Called styrene butadiene rubber, or “crumb rubber,” the new turf contained tiny black crumbs made from pulverized car tires, poured in between the fake grass blades. Mar 8, 2024 · If you or someone in your household has allergies or a sensitive respiratory system, artificial turf is a safe bet. The material is constructed from crumb rubber, which is made from recycled tires as well as synthetic components and other additives, such as a binding agent. Jul 12, 2022 · The sight of rubber surfaces on playgrounds concerns Dr. Crumb rubber is typically made from end-of-life automobile tires. How can people be exposed to the chemicals in the crumb rubber? Oct 6, 2023 · The possibility of cancer-causing chemicals and lead in the recycled tires used in the crumb rubber surfaces on playgrounds across the district brought several parents to the school board meeting held on Wednesday, September 20, with Lee Kelly saying she first became aware of the potential danger of lead poisoning when her family fell ill during a home renovation. Diana Zuckerman, “because as president for the National Center for Health Research she has testified in front of multiple municipal and even state governments about the toxic chemicals that can lurk on those playground surfaces. Mar 23, 2024 · Research has found chemicals in crumb rubber are carcinogenic, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons – complex organic compounds. Crumb rubber is considered to be one of the riskiest components of artificial turf as it is known to contain high levels of PAHs and metals. Councillor Richard Daws said that there was public concern about the safety of rubber crumb, particularly in Holland, where they have ripped up hundreds of pitches over concerns that they are carcinogenic. 👉🏼 A team from Yale discovered that this crumb rubber contains or emits harmful chemicals impacting our health. Crumb rubber has long been the industry standard for infill material. Nov 15, 2022 · Toxic turf? Debate weighs safety of artificial crumb rubber fields used for kid's sports (Photo: Spotlight on America) SEATTLE — Artificial turf fields are just about everywhere in the U. A study conducted by Yale in 2019 showed that of the 306 chemicals present in crumb rubber, 52 are classified as carcinogens. For instance, some studies have suggested that toxic chemicals found in tire crumb rubber can pose health hazards. Background Public concern regarding the potential toxicological effects of exposure to artificial turf pitches has led to the publication of numerous human health risk assessments (HHRAs) on styrene-butadiene crumb rubber, the most common infill material used in these installations. This created a brand new way to generate trillions of dollars by marketing & selling the toxic 'crumb rubber' to athletic, playground & industry officials. Information About Crumb-Rubber Infilled Synthetic Turf Athletic Fields Information About Crumb-Rubber Infilled Synthetic Turf Athletic Fields is available in Portable Document Format (PDF, 12 pp. 12 cohort studies in nine countries that examined distinct populations of workers in the rubber industry, seven industry Q. Crumb rubber manufactured from recycled automobile tires contains potential carcinogenic and toxic substances, and, with over 12,000 synthetic turf fields in the United States, the potential for exposure is widespread. 2. May 4, 2023 · As of October 2022, the majority of U. There are no safe levels for carcinogen­s. Mar 22, 2018 · Poured-in-place (PIP) rubber surface systems are becoming a popular material for playground and play area surfaces due to their customizability, durability, and impact protection. Dec 13, 2018 · “Crumb rubber is known to be highly toxic and dangerous in other ways to children and, in fact, all people,” Representative Town Meeting member Wendy Batteau said of synthetic playing field infill. Aug 24, 2023 · Whether a tire crumb rubber (TCR) playground would expose children to potentially harmful chemicals such as heavy metals is an open question. The crumb rubber used in these ground rubber applications consumed 975,000 tons of scrap tires in 2013, or about 25% of the volume of scrap tires generated. Children may also inhale potentially harmful chemicals that have been detected in the air above rubber turf such as benzathiazole and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), both of which are linked to cancer. sstlhfwn mtfjv vdihi oeep dhv hakcoa clsk edi mdr famir nkag siqxr lyl ccain agsc