Tires that reach the end of their serviceable lifetime are more frequently being recycled for beneficial reuse in novel applications including playgrounds and athletic fields.

Some communities and other groups have expressed concern about the potential for adverse human health or ecological effects resulting from use of recycled tires in these applications.

ChemRisk was asked to conduct a thorough weight-of-evidence review of the literature to assess the potential risk to human and ecological populations considering studies from advocates and opponents to the use of recycled tire materials.

The conclusion of the review was that averse health effects were unlikely for children or athletes exposed to recycled tire materials and that adverse ecological or environmental outcomes from field leachate were not likely to occur.

As part of the review, two long term research goals were identified to assist in enhancing the quality of the risk communication advice regarding these uses. The goals identified were characterization of respirable fine particulate and evaluation of potential inhalation exposures to volatile and semivolatile organic compounds.

Link to the report

Review of exposure to recycled tire rubber found at playgrounds and synthetic turf fields