At Turf Distributors, our top priority is safety. We’re dedicated to keeping you informed about the latest research on artificial turf infill materials, specifically crumb rubber. Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a significant report on the safety of crumb rubber in playgrounds and sports fields. While this research is crucial for the entire industry, we want to emphasize that Turf Distributors primarily focuses on providing safe, high-quality turf solutions for both residential and commercial landscapes.
Understanding the EPA’s Report
The EPA’s report is part of a broader Federal Research Action Plan that directly addresses concerns about potential health risks from recycled tire rubber infill. The report is divided into two volumes:
- Physical, Chemical, and Microbiological Makeup: The first volume examines the composition of crumb rubber. As expected, it confirms the presence of chemicals. However, the report also finds that human exposure to these chemicals—whether through air or skin contact—is limited. Rigorous peer review ensures the accuracy of this comprehensive analysis.
- Exposure and Biomonitoring Studies: The second volume focuses on exposure scenarios. Despite the presence of chemicals, the research indicates minimal human exposure. This finding is essential for understanding the safety implications.
The STC’s Perspective
Following the EPA’s report, the Synthetic Turf Council (STC) reaffirmed the safety of crumb rubber infill in synthetic turf fields. Independent studies, conducted by respected organizations like the Netherlands National Institute for Health and Environment, consistently demonstrate that playing on crumb rubber infill fields poses minimal to no health risks. The STC’s commitment to safety aligns perfectly with our values at Turf Distributors.
Our Unwavering Commitment
While the EPA’s report primarily focuses on sports fields, we take the safety of people and pets who use our residential and commercial turf products seriously. We fully support the research conducted by the EPA and other leading organizations, which consistently affirms the safety of artificial turf solutions.
Stay Informed
Although crumb rubber infill isn’t our primary focus, we believe in transparency. Our commitment to providing safe, high-quality turf solutions remains unwavering. We’ll continue to monitor new research and keep you informed about developments related to residential and commercial turf applications, as well as other aspects of the artificial grass industry.
Additional Resources
For more details, please refer to the full EPA report, Volume 1, Volume2, and the peer review comments:
Turf Distributors: Your Trusted Partner for Safe and Beautiful Artificial Turf. If you have any questions about infill materials or our turf products, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help!