Letter to the Editor: Spencer Pingel on Protecting Your Children from the Risk of Crumb Rubber Fields
Jan. 14, 2015:
To the Editor:
There has been growing concern about the health risks associated with recycled tire crumb rubber used in synthetic fields, including our own Chambers Field in Bronxville. NBC News has done several excellent stories you can access via this link: http://www.nbcnews.com/news/investigations/soccer-goalie-wonders-ifsoccer-goalie-wonders-if-synthetic-turf-poses-health-risks-n222151.
In short, crumb rubber contains all of the chemicals and heavy metals that tires contain, plus some accumulation from the roads they are used on. The EPA has identified a long list of chemicals of concern that includes lead, zinc, chromium, phthalates, phenols, and black carbon. The exact amount of each of these chemicals and metals varies from field to field and batch to batch depending on the specific composition of tires used.
These chemicals and metals can be absorbed into our bodies in three different ways--through accidental (or intentional) ingestion, inhalation of dust particles, and dermal absorption. These chemicals and heavy metals are linked to a number of very serious health issues, including various forms of cancer, infertility, and birth defects. The specific link of crumb rubber fields to these diseases has not yet been proven, nor has it been disproven, and it will likely be many years before the exact linkages are fully clear.
So, given the uncertainty and risk, how best to protect our children? Here is a compilation of recommendations I have gathered from different sources:
1. Babies and small children should be kept off of crumb rubber fields. Young bodies are more vulnerable, are more prone to accidental ingestion, and breathe closer to surface dust.
2. Explain to your children that they should not chew or ingest crumb rubber (we have three separate reports of groups of middle school students chewing the pieces of crumb rubber).
3. Do not play on crumb rubber fields in bare feet or socks; always wear shoes.
4. After play, ensure all residual crumb rubber is removed (from shoes, socks, hair, etc.).
5. Ideally, shower immediately following use of the fields. At minimum, wash hands.
6. Avoid extended contact of skin on these fields (for example, stretching on ground with bare legs; do this before arriving at the field or on grass if accessible).
Please note that Chambers Field is not just used by sports teams--elementary school recess uses Chambers Field, many children use these fields after hours and on weekends, and even some of us older folks are playing on these fields, so I hope these guidelines are helpful for all.
Spencer Pingel
Bronxville, New York
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