As a toxicologist with nearly two decades of experience in human health risk assessment, I believe that there is no scientific reason to suggest a link between chemicals found in recycled rubber infill in turf fields and any health issues (“Opposition Against Crumb Rubber Grows in Great Falls,” 6/28/17).
There is a substantial body of research already in existence — more than 90 peer-reviewed studies, reports, and evaluations from academics, state health departments, and third parties — that does not find any link between this material and adverse health effects. Just recently, the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment released a comprehensive study of 100 different fields concluding that playing on these surfaces is "safe." In February, another evaluation of more than 100 fields conducted by the European Chemicals Agency reached a similar conclusion.
The few contrary studies that have been cited in some media stories generally do not take into account actual exposure to chemicals, and simply rely on the presence of these chemicals as a reason for alarm. Many common products we interact with as part of everyday life contain low levels of chemicals that do not pose a threat, but could if they existed at significantly higher levels. In fact, even natural soil contains low levels of hazardous and/or carcinogenic chemicals, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, lead, and arsenic. Presence alone does not necessarily equal danger.
And it’s important to point out that recently the Washington Department of Health released the results of their own analysis of a list of soccer players with cancer being cited by those who attribute health risks to recycled rubber infill. They concluded, based on the list, that cancer rates were actually lower than would be expected.
Children’s safety should be placed above all else, but when making decisions about installing turf fields that could provide a durable playing surface for hundreds of children, unsubstantiated fears shouldn’t undermine science.
Michael Peterson
Michael Peterson is a board-certified toxicologist at Gradient, an environmental and risk sciences consulting firm. He serves as scientific adviser to the Recycled Rubber Council.