Debunking Myths About Crumb Rubber Turf Fields

In the ongoing discussions about the safety of synthetic turf fields, particularly those with crumb rubber infill, it's important to cut through the noise and focus on practical insights. After years of observation and in-depth testing, government agencies, independent academic researchers, and turf management experts have dispelled common myths and confirmed key truths about the realities of turf maintenance and longevity. 

Myth #1: Playing on crumb rubber turf fields poses health risks.

Numerous scientific researchers and regulatory agencies have conducted comprehensive assessments and found no evidence of elevated health risks associated with playing on crumb rubber turf fields. 

Most recently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, and Consumer Product Safety Commission released their Tire Crumb Exposure Characterization Report. The study's conclusions add to the growing body of research validating that crumb rubber infill is safe and that crumb rubber turf fields are as safe as natural grass fields.

Specifically, the report noted the presence of chemicals was expected, as is common with almost all consumer products, but that "the presence of a substance does not directly equate with human exposure." The agencies focused on understanding exposure—the way people come into contact with recycled crumb rubber while using synthetic turf fields—and the associated environmental and physical chemical levels resulting from that exposure.

The agencies found that air concentrations of chemical compounds around outdoor recycled rubber turf fields were "not different" from the background levels. A biomonitoring study found that metal concentrations in the blood system were "similar to those in the general population" before and after activities on turf fields with crumb rubber infill. The biomonitoring study also found there were "no differences" for PAHs in bodily fluids between those using grass fields and those using synthetic turf fields with tire crumb rubber infill.

In all, this led the agencies to conclude that "although chemicals are present (as expected) in the tire crumb rubber and exposures can occur, they are likely limited."

These findings, which come from the largest study ever conducted in the country on this topic, provide reassurance regarding the safety of crumb rubber turf fields for athletes and the general public.

Myth #2: Crumb rubber migrates with field users into the broader environment.

There has historically been a lack of understanding about how much crumb rubber infill migrates from a field and travels after being used. This has understandably raised concerns about the field's environmental impact. However, we know this myth to be untrue. 

"I have been observing and collecting data on crumb rubber migration for a number of years.  From what we have learned, and in an effort to mitigate migration, we take extensive efforts from the start of construction to the entirety of the field's life to prevent migration. Contrary to perception, our research reveals that fields don't suffer from crumb loss as previously believed, rather they experience a significant settlement of the infill," said Princeton University's Senior Associate Director of Athletics Jeffrey Graydon. While it may seem like the infill is disappearing, in reality, it is still on the field. The crumb rubber has simply settled into the turf's fibers over time. This typically occurs during the first year following field installation and is the case in both indoor and outdoor fields. 

Moreover, when the proper mitigation strategies are deployed, only small amounts of the crumb rubber migrate off-site from transfer to athletes. Our observations and data demonstrate that the collection systems function as intended and greatly reduce migration.

Myth #3: The installation and maintenance of crumb rubber turf fields and the migration of the infill pose significant challenges that cannot be effectively managed.

To address concerns regarding infill management, turf installation teams implement rigorous mitigation measures during both the construction and maintenance phases. During installation, operators install perimeter barriers to prevent infill spillage in unwanted areas.

Thankfully, many turf fields have employed collection systems that have demonstrated impressive efficacy in keeping infill contained to the playing field. The Danish Technological Institute has been researching crumb rubber migration for years and recently found that placing containment barriers, such as tennis fencing, around the perimeter of the fields helps prevent the spread of crumb rubber infill. The height of these barriers is directly correlated with their success in keeping infill in—meaning, taller fences keep more infill inside the fields. Additionally, collection grates at pedestrian and athlete entrances aid in minimizing the amount of crumb rubber and debris leaving turf fields. 

However, maintaining turf fields goes beyond the initial installation. As we have learned, after the first year of play, the infill in fields gradually sinks into the turf base, requiring semi-regular grooming and infill redistribution for optimal performance and safety. Maintaining the correct infill level is crucial to ensure proper support for the turf fibers, mitigate UV degradation, and extend the field's lifespan. Specialized equipment helps with uniform infill distribution, but turf managers must avoid overgrooming or maintenance neglect, as both can have adverse effects on the field's condition.

Additionally, during winter months, turf maintenance teams should only plow snow around the perimeter of the fields and not on the fields themselves to prevent infill from being pushed and accumulated in undesired areas. 

Myth #4: Turf fields have a negative impact on the environment.

Some people argue that turf fields present environmental challenges that carry risks, however, turf fields that use recycled rubber infill actually reduce the impact of rubber on the environment by minimizing landfill waste and promoting a circular economy. Recycled rubber plays a vital role in mitigating our carbon footprint and repurposing tires into crumb rubber for turf or molded objects, which lowers carbon emissions by 3.5 to 3 tons per ton of tires used.

Turf fields also boast substantial water savings and demand less maintenance than natural grass fields. This reduces the need for lawnmowers and other lawn maintenance equipment, which the EPA identifies as significant contributors to air pollutant emissions nationwide. Turf fields also do not require the fertilizer or pesticides needed to maintain traditional grass fields, thus reducing the need for frequent chemical applications to keep fields in playable conditions.

Additionally, turf fields can accommodate more use compared to natural grass fields, thus increasing the total playing time for users. This is because they can withstand heavy use and are more resilient to inclement weather, allowing for extended playing seasons without the need for extensive field restorations, which reduces overall environmental impact. Moreover, these fields can even be installed in indoor settings for year-round use.

Moving forward: Embracing safe and sustainable crumb rubber turf fields.

Debunking myths about crumb rubber turf fields is crucial for informed decision-making. These insights help prevent unnecessary fear and hesitation that could hinder the adoption of sustainable solutions like crumb rubber infill turf fields. By addressing myths about health risks, environmental impact, and maintenance challenges with crumb rubber infill, we hope that stakeholders have a clearer understanding of recycled rubber's role in sports and recreation.