Tire crumb rubber and rubber mulch request for regulation and analysis submitted
December 16, 2015 - Massachusetts delegates including Senator Karen Spilka, State Representatives Jeff Roy and John Fernandes have requested the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) regulate interior and exterior use of crumb rubber as a children's product due to exposure on playground and artificial turf fields.
Tire crumb rubber and rubber mulch is used in playgrounds and turf fields across the U.S. The usage began in the 90s as a way to dispose of used tires. Typically, the fields and playgrounds are sold to a city or state with promise of less maintenance and increased playtime, yet the tire derived materials have never been evaluated by the CPSC for exposure risk to users.
The delegate's letter to the CPSC requests analysis to offer concrete conclusions and recommendations to ensure the safety of children and adults who use crumb rubber and turf fields. Specifically, the delegates requested the CPSC investigate:
- Identifying potential hazards resulting from ingestion and inhalation of toxins released from crumb rubber during heat spikes and outgassing;
- Detecting the existence of known human carcinogens;
- Locating the presence of lead and other toxins;
- Examining any danger presented by the natural aging and decomposition; and
- investigating any potential risks to child or adult users.
The delegate's letter is a result of an October 2015 request by residents from Medway, Franklin and Holliston requesting the Representatives request regulation of tire crumb rubber as a children's product on the basis of the use on synthetic turf fields and rubber mulch playgrounds by children.
"We thank Senator Spilka and Representatives Roy and Fernandes for their attention and action regarding the use of recycled tires on playing fields and playgrounds," said Tracy Stewart, Mass Chapter lead of The Safe, Healthy Playing Fields Coalition. "The unique sell-in of this product has bypassed regulation for decades; however, it has become more concerning over the past ten years while over 12,000 turf fields have been installed exposing young people and adults to chemicals within the materials. We hope the CPSC's response is positive to the request for regulation and furthermore they expedite a thorough analysis to fully understand the risk of crumb rubber and tire derived products on young people and adults."
The CPSC response is pending.
 |
| image of the letter sent |
About The Safe, Healthy Playing Fields Coalition (SHPFC)
Founded in 2008, The Safe, Healthy Playing Fields Coalition is dedicated to sharing information about the health and safety of both natural and synthetic turf fields for children, adults and the environment in which we live.
Information: http://www.safehealthyplayingf
 |
| installation of the new turf field at FHS during the summer (field is in full use now) |
No comments:
Post a Comment