Safety Study of Artificial Turf Containing Crumb Rubber Infill Made From Recycled Tires: Measurements of Chemicals and Particulates in the Air, Bacteria in the Turf, and Skin Abrasions Caused by Contact with the Surface

The new generation of artificial turf athletic fields often contains crumb rubber infill made from recycled tires. Crumb rubber infill serves as an artificial soil, supporting the artificial blades of grass, softening the surface, improving drainage, and helping to provide a high-quality playing surface for a variety of sports. However, tire rubber is a complex material, containing many naturally-occurring and man-made chemicals. Crumb rubber made from recycled tires has the potential to release a variety of chemicals and particles into the air. It also represents a potential site of bacterial growth and transmission to athletes using the fields (including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA). Therefore, OEHHA has evaluated the following aspects of artificial turf safety for fields constructed with recycled crumb rubber infill.

Report: Safety Study of Artificial Turf Containing Crumb Rubber Infill Made From Recycled Tires: Measurements of Chemicals and Particulates in the Air, Bacteria in the Turf, and Skin Abrasions Caused by Contact with the Surface - available from CIWMB