In The Media: NBC Reports Potential Connection Between Crumb Rubber Used on Sportsfields and Cancer
The Sports Turf Managers Association sent an email to it's membership on October 9th regarding an NBC news report about crumb rubber used on artificial turf fields aired a couple of days earlier.
Since then, NBC aired a follow-up report on the subject after which the Synthetic Turf Council provided a written response (see below for links to both stories and STC response).
In May of 2012, the WCTA posted a related article titled 'Black Carbon Nanoparticles - Is Artificial Turf Hiding an 800 Pound Gorilla?' by Jim Novak of Turfgrass Producers International.
How Safe is the Artificial Turf on Your Child's Sports Field?
The industry and others say the turf is safe, but one coach found a terrible coincidence between artificial turf and several soccer players. Published October 8th 2014, 3:58 pm
http://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/how-safe-artificial-turf-your-childs-sports-field-n221676
Does Artificial Turf Present a Health Risk?
Stephanie Gosk
An NBC investigation on artificial turf and "crumb rubber" has triggered reaction from parents weighing in with their own stories.
Published October 9th 2014, 3:53 pm
http://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/does-artificial-turf-present-health-risk-n222531
Synthetic Turf Council Response to NBC National News Story on Health Effects of Crumb Rubber in Synthetic Turf
Thursday, October 09, 2014
Posted by: Terrie Ward, STC Marketing & Education Director
Atlanta, GA – The Synthetic Turf Council (STC) and the synthetic turf industry take the health, safety, and welfare of synthetic turf users very seriously. We sympathize with those individuals who are battling a serious illness. As the industry’s trade association, it is our responsibility to address the issues raised in the NBC story in an objective manner.
The STC believes that reliable scientific data should be the foundation of any discussion regarding the safety of synthetic turf with crumb rubber infill. During the past two decades, there have been more than 60 technical studies and reports that review the health effects of crumb rubber as it pertains to toxicities from inhalation, ingestion and dermal contact, as well as cancer. These studies and reports were performed during the past 22 years by independent organizations such as: Connecticut Department of Health, Hofstra University, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and University of California Berkeley. The preponderance of evidence shows no negative health effects associated with crumb rubber in synthetic turf. As NBC factually reported, "there is no research directly linking crumb rubber exposure to cancer.”
According to an EPA report, Child-Specific Exposure Factors Handbook, "supplemental chronic risk estimates indicate regular exposure (e.g. regular play on ground rubber filled athletic fields) to ground rubber for the length of one’s childhood does not increase risk of cancer above levels considered by the state of California to be de minimus.”
The STC supports the extensive scientific research already performed and any future opportunities for science-based research.
Crumb rubber used in synthetic turf systems should always meet or exceed the Synthetic Turf Council’s quality guidelines.
The STC website includes many of the studies on the human health and environmental safety of synthetic turf and crumb rubber.
•Printer-friendly version: STC Response to NBC National News Story on Health Effects of Crumb Rubber in Synthetic Turf (PDF)
•Independent Research on the Environmental & Health Risk of Synthetic Turf with Crumb Rubber Infill
A Summary of Critical Research
Prepared by The InnovaNet Group for the Synthetic Turf Council, this document summarizes the critical research on the health effects of crumb rubber as it pertains to toxicities from inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact, as well as cancer.
•Overview of the Research on Crumb Rubber in Synthetic Turf (PDF)
STC Quality Guidelines for Crumb Rubber Infill
The purpose of this document is to provide producers, customers, and the public with an understanding of what crumb rubber infill is and how the industry manages its safety, purity and quality.
•STC Guidelines for Crumb Rubber Infill Used in Synthetic Turf Fields (PDF)