Continuation of Recycled Rubber Tires
(See Part I: Common Uses and Health Concerns)

Early in 2007, concerns about children's health prompted Environment and Human Health, Inc. (EHHI) to look into the effects of exposure to recycled rubber tire products.  EHHI commissioned the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station to conduct the study and based on the recommendations, has since spoken out against the use of recycled tire products in sports, recreational and landscaping.

• Response to New York State study (May 2009)
• Op-Ed on using recycled rubber tires as ground cover for playgrounds
• Op-Ed on using synthetic turf/artificial fields

Proponents of synthetic turf and rubber mulch say there is no health hazard.  Yet, there were playing fields in New York and New Jersey that were closed last year because high levels of lead were detected.  Levels that exceeded a federal soil safety ceiling.  The fields are being tested for other factors such as the paint used to color the synthetic blades of grass and how the sites were used in previous years.  The New York City Department of Parks in Recreation and the Los Angeles Unified School District will no longer purchase artificial turf playing fields that use recycled rubber tire crumbs.

A spokesperson for a major manufacturer of rubber tire mulch and other landscaping products stated that compliance with federal and state standards is ensured by the rigorous and regular testing of their products.  A key step is verification of the source of its raw material: old tires.  Where the tires are made affects the additives and the company's ability to remain compliant with health and safety requirements.  On its website the company claims that rubber mulch is "Good for the environment, savings of time and money, little maintenance required, unequaled safety, ADA compliant, IPEMA certified, non-toxic, will not rot, fade or compress even after years battling the elements, EPA approved...".  The EPA confirmed by phone, it does not endorse any rubber mulch product.

In March this year, Mt. Sinai Hospital's Pediatric Environmental Health Specialty Unit wrote to the California Environmental Protection Agency of the health risks to children of playing on artificial surfaces: high lead readings, extremely hot playing conditions causing heat stress and even heat stroke, skin infections and inhalation, ingestion and prolonged exposure to toxic and carcinogenic substances.  The Mt. Sinai assessment was a result of significant public and professional concern.

Outside of the U.S. an earlier study by KEMI, the Swedish Chemicals Inspectorate, warns of the potential risks of any exposure to harmful substances from recycled rubber tires.  And the New York State Department of Health cautions the public on health and safety considerations related to rubber crumb infill that include heat stress, injury, infection, latex allergy and chemical exposure

Despite these warnings, synthetic turf fields continued to be the surface of choice across the U.S.  Natural grass is expensive to maintain and had its own issues when fertilizers and pesticides were used.  Recycled rubber tire products have lower maintenance costs, are practically an all weather, all season surface increasing the number of playing days and have the advantage of providing cushioning that helps prevent stress on joints and injuries from falls.

IS THERE A BETTER PRODUCT?
The studies cited in this article are unanimous in calling for further analysis and more extensive study of the effects of exposure to recycled rubber tire products on living things and the environment.  The EPA recently conducted a scoping survey to help determine whether a more comprehensive study should be undertaken, but at this time the report is not available yet.  California's Office of Health Hazard Assessment has an ongoing study that is expected to conclude in 2010.

Should we not challenge the industry to improve the products or come up with a non-toxic alternative?  The recommendations by KEMI in its April 2008 report on "Synthetic Turf From Recycled Tyres" seem a fair compromise of the range of conclusions and decisions reached by all these studies.

Facilities that are in place can remain in use as the risk to people and the environment is low based on current health and safety standards.  However, as the playing surface degrades with age, the man-made rubber needs to be replaced with something inert that does not release harmful substances.  In parallel, a healthier alternative fill for the synthetic surfaces needs to be found and it should be the responsibility of the manufacturers to ensure the safety of their product.  The effect of the substances released by recycled rubber tires on people and the environment needs to be studied more extensively, and the public should be kept well informed of any and all findings.

Other KEMI reports on recycled rubber tires (spelled tyres) can be found at:

• Synthetic Turf Fact Sheet (April 2007)
• Inappropriate Uses of Recycled Tyres On Football Pitches (June 2006)

There may never be a definitive answer to how safe recycled rubber products are.  It may take a long time for technology to find a non-toxic substitute.  In the meantime, the best thing we can do is to weigh the risk to ourselves, our family, our community and our environment while continuing to include physical exercise in our lives.




THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

• Anyone with allergies, asthma or other sensitivities to substances like latex should take care when coming into contact with recycled tire products and synthetic turf.
• Stay informed and updated on this issue by regularly checking the websites of your state environmental conservation department, your state motorways department and the EPA.  An online search should also bring up other information sources.