Concerns have been raised that the use of recycled tire rubber in synthetic turf fields and playgrounds presents a health and safety concern for consumers because the product may contain heavy metals and other harmful chemicals. The CPSC, in coordination with other Federal agencies, will continue to work to ensure that the products our children play on are not harmful.
I am very pleased with the recent adoption of ASTM F3188-16, a consensus voluntary standard that calls for testing of all infill materials used for synthetic turf sports surfaces, regardless of what that infill is made of, for heavy metals in the same rigorous way that children's toys are now tested for those substances. I expect that industry will adhere to this voluntary standard, as doing so should alleviate concerns about the presence of heavy metals in recycled rubber used in synthetic turf fields.
I recognize that the ASTM voluntary standard does not address all safety concerns. I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with all stakeholders, including other federal agencies, caregivers, health professionals, and industry, to address any remaining safety issues related to the use of recycled tire rubber in synthetic turf fields and playgrounds