The Tire Industry Association has released a position statement, developed by the Association’s Environmental Advisory Council (EAC), regarding the use of crumb rubber in synthetic turf, athletic fields, decorative landscaping, playground surfacing, and other applications.
Recently, the benefits of recycling scrap tyres have become clouded by media claims that recycled rubber may be harmful to people and the environment. TIA’s EAC conducted an extensive review of the testing performed in the United States and overseas regarding the health and environmental effects of using crumb rubber.
The research conducted by the EAC included more than 60 technical studies, field testing performed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, tests conducted by state departments in New York, Connecticut and California as well as laboratory evaluations at the University of California at Berkeley.
Each of these studies validated the position that crumb rubber poses no significant health or environmental risk. The EPA evaluation which included samples from multiple locations in different parts of the country, specifically stated that, “concentrations of materials in tyre crumb rubber are below levels considered harmful.”
The EAC found that in every evaluation, researchers reached the same conclusion: Crumb rubber used in artificial turf or as a playground surface poses no significant health or environmental risk.
“Each of these studies validated the position that crumb rubber poses no significant health or environmental risk. For this reason, the EAC and TIA support the continued use of crumb rubber in synthetic turf, athletic fields and playgrounds as well as other product applications,” said TIA Executive Vice President Roy Littlefield.
TIA is concerned about the health and safety of consumers who use recycled tyre products and encourages consumers to know the facts about recycled rubber. The Association and its members continue to welcome and support all additional scientific research.
Source: Tire Industry