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Act Global study deems synthetic turf crumb rubber ‘safe’

February 13, 2015  - By
(PRNewsFoto/Act Global)

(PRNewsFoto/Act Global)

Act Global has released an independent testing and published analysis of the use of crumb rubber in synthetic turf fields, performed in cooperation with organic chemist Dr. R. William Tilford and three accredited testing institutes.

Dr. Tilford is an unbiased third-party expert, with a doctorate in organic chemistry and 14 years of experience as a research chemist. Tilford has a thorough understanding of how organic molecules react with each other and their environments.

In a recent NBC News report, concerns were raised regarding the health risks of crumb rubber infill.

“…The International Agency for Research on Cancer labels four carcinogens [arsenic, benzene, cadmium, nickel] while adding that at low levels of exposure, they are considered safe,” it says in the report.

Tilford’s research paper analyzed not only the four carcinogens noted by NBC, but tested data of 83 substances including trace metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatiles/PAHs. Analysis concluded that no substances were measured at a higher concentration than what may be found in background typical air, soil and surrounding environments, and many substances were completely undetected. Standardized, modern and objective test protocols were utilized per U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and European Union toy safety standards.

“This collective body of data supports that this sample of crumb rubber is safe,” says Tilford in the study. “The analyzed samples offered no apparent hazard.”

More than 50 technical studies have been conducted during the past two decades which review the health effects of crumb rubber as it pertains to inhalation, ingestion, dermal contact and cancer. The preponderance of evidence shows no negative health effects associated with crumb rubber in synthetic turf. Also, The Synthetic Turf Council has a resource center on crumb rubber, including industry news and press releases, new and current research and technical guidelines.

“We commit the resources to support independent and credible research, because our top priority is always the safety and welfare of synthetic turf users,” says John Baize, owner of Act Global. “We are pleased with the results as they are consistent with numerous other studies.”

The research paper and independent lab reports are available by email, using this contact form.

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