What is crumb rubber turf?
A new artificial turf system was developed in the early 2000s based on “crumb rubber.” The black crumbs are small pieces of styrene-butadiene rubber made from grinding up old vehicle tires. The tire crumbs are poured in between the artificial grass blades, giving the artificial fields more cushion and support.
Does artificial turf contain crumb rubber?
The synthetic grass blades are monofilaments made of polyethylene. Astroturf GT uses recycled truck tire crumb rubber and silica sand infill. The use of rubber crumb materials for turf fields may provide several benefits. The infill can cushion falls and reduce injuries when compared to harder surfaces.
Is crumb rubber toxic?
“Crumb rubber contains benzothiazole, which exerts acute toxicity and is a respiratory irritant and a dermal sensitiser. Carbon black, which makes up 20-40% of crumb rubber, has been identified as a cancer-causing chemical by California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.
Why does turf cause cancer?
Many of whom have accrued hours of exposure to toxins while playing on the turf. High school soccer goalies are currently seen as the most at-risk group for developing cancer from turf exposure. This is due to the amount “crumb rubber” that is disturbed during diving saves.
Why is crumb rubber used on artificial turf?
A standard synthetic turf field uses infill materials, such as crumb rubber, which is spread between the fibers to provide cushioning and traction.
How much does crumb rubber cost?
Anyone can add crumb rubber to soil, but if an organization buys crumb rubber from a producer without the patent, then legal action can be levied against both parties.” Currently, Crown III is selling for about $480 a ton, or 24 cents a pound. The company also has 27 dealers across the U.S.
What is rubber turf called?
Artificial turf is a surface of synthetic fibers made to look like natural grass. The specific product used was “ChemGrass”, developed by Monsanto and rebranded as AstroTurf; this term since then became a generic trademark for any artificial turf throughout the late 20th century.
Is rubber toxic to humans?
According to the EPA, benzene, mercury, styrene-butadiene, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and arsenic, among several other chemicals, heavy metals and carcinogens, have been found in tires. Studies have found that crumb rubber can emit gases that can be inhaled.
What chemicals are in tire rubber?
Tire rubber is composed of 40–60% rubber polymer, reinforcing agents such as carbon black (20–35%), aromatic extender oil (up to 28%), vulcanisation additives, antioxidants, antiozonants, and processing aids (plasticizers and softeners) (Wik and Dave, 2008, Li et al., 2010).
Can crumb rubber cause cancer?
No, synthetic turf fields made with crumb rubber infill do contain chemicals that have been shown to cause cancer.
Can fake grass give you cancer?
Their report found no evidence of a causal effect of playing on artificial turf and cancer.
Is artificial turf toxic?
Artificial turf is non-allergenic, so it can’t trigger allergies, and it’s non-toxic, so it contains no harmful chemicals. Even the infill installation materials are safe. It is important to note that although artificial grass is better for allergies, it won’t eliminate pollen carried from nearby flowers and trees.
Why was crumb rubber used for artificial turf?
Crumb rubber infill is estimated to be about 90% of the weight of fields, thus forming the vast majority of the playing surface. Artificial turf was initially created with the intention of preventing head injuries, as the crumb rubber would cushion the blows from impact.
What kind of uses can crumb rubber be used for?
Producing crumb rubber is a way of recycling used tires that would have otherwise ended up in landfills. Commercial applications of crumb rubber include: foundation waterproofing, rubberized asphalt, and infill for artificial turf fields and playgrounds.
Are there any cities that have banned artificial turf?
Cities and towns in Washington, Connecticut, California, Minnesota, and Maryland have proposed or enacted moratoriums or bans on crumb rubber and/or artificial turfs for playgrounds and/or fields. What can I do? Follow the research. Some studies have assessed the health effects associated with exposure to artificial turf and crumb rubber.
Is the CPSC going to regulate crumb rubber?
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) does not regulate them as children’s products, even though a vast majority of U.S. children are regularly exposed to crumb rubber and artificial turfs!