According to Environment and Human Health, Inc., there are risks concerning recycled tires used for athletic fields, gardening, playgrounds, and any other sort of asphalt–surface substitute.
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station report released information claiming out-gassing and leaching from synthetic turf rubber crumbs under ambient temperatures. Several compounds were present, but four gave high responses on GC/Mass spectrographic analysis. The four conclusively identified with confirmatory tests were: benzothiazole; butylated hydroxyanisole; n-hexadecane; and 4-(t-Octyl) Phenol. Approximately two dozen other chemicals were indicated at lower levels. (“Artificial Turf: Exposures to Ground Up Rubber Tires—Athletic Fields, Playgrounds, Garden Mulch.” Retrieved from http://www.ehhi.org/reports/turf/health_effects.shtml)
Some of the identified components are known and suspected carcinogens, as well as irritants to the skin, eyes, and respiratory system. In summary, the toxic concerns from the materials that were released from recycled crumb rubber include:
- Severe irritation of the respiratory system
- Severe irritation of the eyes, skin and mucous membranes
- Systemic effects on the liver and kidneys
- Neurotoxic responses
- Allergic reactions
- Cancers
- Developmental effects
