Presence of metals and metalloids in crumb rubber used as infill of worldwide synthetic turf pitches: Exposure and risk assessment

The European Union Ban on Microplastics Includes Artificial Turf Crumb Rubber Infill: Other Nations Should Follow Suit

“…In addition, microplastics and their associated chemicals can leach from artificial turf fields with crumb rubber infill to pollute surrounding bodies of water and exert toxic effects on the environment. 13,14 These contaminants include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals, per/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and antioxidants, e.g., 6PPD. 13,15−20 Notably, the EU recently placed a PAH restriction of 20 mg/kg for artificial turf infill granules in acknowledgment of crumb rubber's capacity to spread its chemical constituents to field users and the surrounding environment.…”

“…Due to a paucity of human health research, the long-term effects, exposure limits, and general public risk from exposure to the materials in these fields are areas of active investigation and public interest. In addition, microplastics and their associated chemicals can leach from artificial turf fields with crumb rubber infill to pollute surrounding bodies of water and exert toxic effects on the environment. , These contaminants include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals, per/polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), and antioxidants, e.g., 6PPD. ,− Notably, the EU recently placed a PAH restriction of 20 mg/kg for artificial turf infill granules in acknowledgment of crumb rubber’s capacity to spread its chemical constituents to field users and the surrounding environment . It should be recognized that other, more environmentally friendly infill materials are available, e.g., coconut fibers, cork, and sand.…”

Emerging Health Risks of Crumb Rubber: Inhalation of Environmentally Persistent Free Radicals via Saliva During Artificial Turf Activities

“…Crumb rubber (CR), a byproduct of discarded tires, has been widely used as an infill material in artificial turf for shock absorption on playing fields. , In the USA and Europe, over a million tons of scrap tires have been recycled into rubber materials since the 1990s, leading to the extensive distribution of CR in many places. While CR offers clear benefits, such as low operating cost, , water conservation, and the promotion of circular economy, its potential health risks following environmental exposure have been overlooked. Most concerns raised to date about CR are related to player safety and disease risk .…”

Evaluation of blood metal levels of hockey teams after playing on synthetic turf fields

“…(3) When the literature was examined, it was seen that the studies on artificial turf fields focused on two separate fields of study. While the first field of study is examining the toxic substances contained in artificial turf fields, (1,2,(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9) the other field of study is examining the effects of artificial turf fields on sports injuries. (10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16) In a study on metals that included mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), and magnesium (Mg) in samples taken from 32 different synthetic fields, a total of 25 metals were examined and it has been reported that Mg, Fe and Zn levels were significantly higher than those of the other metals.…”

“…(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16) In a study on metals that included mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), and magnesium (Mg) in samples taken from 32 different synthetic fields, a total of 25 metals were examined and it has been reported that Mg, Fe and Zn levels were significantly higher than those of the other metals. (8) In addition, in studies on crumb rubber, it has been reported that while tire rubber contains high levels of Zn, it also contains Fe and Mg, albeit at low levels. (9) However, no study has been found that measured the levels of these metals in athletes using artificial turf fields.…”