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A new study from the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) and Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) adds to the growing consensus on recycled rubber. The study found “no significant health risks to players, coaches, referees and spectators from on-field or off-field exposure” to crumb rubber infill.
The multi-agency effort analyzed 35 synthetic turf fields across California, looking at crumb rubber samples and health/exposure indicators from youth soccer players who regularly used the fields.
This study adds to the growing body of evidence that use of recycled rubber is safe.
Similar to other studies, CalEPA and the OEHHA examined multiple exposure pathways, such as inhalation, direct skin contact and accidental ingestion. After extensive analysis and testing, the researchers concluded that long-term use of the fields using recycled rubber materials does not result in exposure to chemicals that pose significant health risks or sensory irritation.
The report also concluded that cancer risks for athletes and others participating on the fields are “insignificant.”
These findings reaffirm what we’ve known for some time: that surfaces using recycled rubber are just as safe as traditional ones.
And not only are they safe, they are durable and usable year-round, providing reliable recreation spaces in all seasons.
Recycled Rubber News
Wilson College to install new artificial turf field, scheduled for completion by fall (Yahoo Sports): Wilson College in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania will install a new artificial turf soccer field, replacing the previous natural grass facility. College President Wesley R. Fugate highlighted the “safe, durable, and high-quality playing surface” as a “game-changer” for the college.
Buffs ditch grass at Folsom Field, installing artificial turf (Denver Sports): At historic Folsom Field, the University of Colorado football team will replace natural grass with artificial turf. Athletic Director Rick George noted that the turf, with its all-season durability, will be able to handle an expanded college football schedule.
Silver Bluff High School moving to artificial turf for football (WRDW): Silver Bluff High School in South Carolina, a school which developed many future college football and NFL players, is switching to artificial turf next season.
What we’re reading:
Final Thoughts
At the Better Play Initiative, we know the value of quality recreation spaces. That’s why our mission is to provide the most up-to-date research and data on the safety of recycled rubber. Community leaders and concerned citizens deserve to have all the information on the surfaces where their kids play.
As BPI Program Director Scott Gerber recently said in Recreation Management,
“The California study adds to the definitive body of evidence that crumb rubber infill is safe to use in our communities. These findings should give our leaders confidence that products using recycled rubber play a vital role in keeping communities active, healthy and safe. We thank CalEPA and CalOEHHA for their deep evaluation and rigorous study of this important issue.”
Find more resources on the safety, durability and accessibility of recycled rubber surfaces at the BPI website.
Have any questions or are interested in getting involved? Reach out at media@betterplaytoday.org.
