Is synthetic turf toxic?
Claims of toxicity are generally based on extreme laboratory testing such as the use of solvents and high temperatures to generate pollutants. Rarely replicating actual field conditions, this laboratory work does not represent realistic material characteristics. More often than not, even with laboratory testing, results in levels of pollutants are below existing background levels within the environment. In fact, the New York Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has noted that many of the chemicals found in crumb rubber are very common in the urban environment. Given these facts, and the results of studies conducted in the United States and Europe, the environmental concerns have been deemed insignificant by third-party experts. This position is consistent with recommendations of regulating agencies and organizations, such as the U.S. EPA and FIFA, that sports fields are an acceptable use for recycled auto tire rubber.
