A new US research on synthetic turf fields that contain tire-derived crumb rubber has found that the material posed no risk to human health. The investigation commenced in 2016 and was run by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (CDC/ATSDR) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The two authoritative bodies worked in association with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

The official name of the investigation is the Federal Research Action Plan on Recycled Tire Crumb Used on Playing Fields and Playgrounds (FRAP). The study comes amid public concerns voiced earlier that there might be a health risk when athletes or kids play on turf fields covered with tire-derived crumb rubber.

The findings of the study were revealed by EPA and CDC/ATSDR in two parts: however, the second part providing all details about potential hazards of tire-derived crumb rubber on human health is expected to be published later. According to EPA’s official website, more details on potential risks (if any) for children health may be published as early as this autumn.

Press release by US Environmental Protection Authority.