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61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Artificial sport surfaces and adverse effects for human health. A literature review
ClearFate of recycled tyre granulate used on artificial turf
Researchers reviewed the environmental fate of recycled tyre rubber granulate used as infill on artificial turf fields, finding that while the material provides significant CO2 savings compared to alternatives, dispersal of approximately 3,000-5,000 kg per field per year to surrounding environments raises microplastic pollution concerns.
Metal and metalloid content in real urban synthetic surfaces made of recycled tire crumb rubber including playgrounds and football fields
Researchers analyzed metal and metalloid concentrations in crumb rubber infill material collected in-use from playgrounds and artificial sports fields across multiple sites, finding elevated levels of metals including toxic heavy metals in samples from children's play areas. Crumb rubber from recycled tires represents the largest intentional source of microplastics in the environment, and children who play on these surfaces face potential exposure to both the plastic particles and their toxic metal content. The study provides real-world contamination data from actual in-use facilities rather than laboratory samples, making the findings more directly applicable to public health decisions.
Exploring the Human Health Impact of Artificial Turf Worldwide: A Systematic Review.
This systematic review found that artificial turf infill and fibers contain concentrations of PAHs, cadmium, mercury, and zinc that exceed European safety limits. While bioaccessibility varied by chemical, cancer risks were identified for children with pica behavior exposed to PAHs and for heavy metal exposure via dermal, inhalation, and ingestion pathways.
Granulated rubber in playgrounds and sports fields: A potential source of atmospheric plastic-related contaminants and plastic additives after runoff events
Researchers examined whether the crumb rubber used in playgrounds and sports fields releases plastic-related contaminants and chemical additives into the air after weathering. They found that summer conditions caused the rubber surfaces to shed inhalable micro- and nanoparticles containing potentially harmful additives. The study raises concerns about chronic exposure risks for children and athletes who regularly use these surfaces.
Tests of rubber granules used as artificial turf for football fields in terms of toxicity to human health and the environment
Researchers tested rubber granules used in artificial soccer field turf and found that many samples contained polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) — cancer-linked chemicals — at levels exceeding EU safety limits. The findings support growing calls to restrict or replace these recycled rubber materials in sports infrastructure to protect players and the environment.
Health impacts of artificial turf: Toxicity studies, challenges, and future directions
Researchers reviewed toxicology studies on artificial turf, documenting that chemicals leaching from crumb rubber fill—including PAHs, phthalates, and PFAS—are known carcinogens and endocrine disruptors, while calling for more rigorous human epidemiology and ecotoxicology studies to properly assess health risks from field use and runoff.
Are volatile methylsiloxanes in downcycled tire microplastics? Levels and human exposure estimation in synthetic turf football fields
Researchers measured volatile methylsiloxane levels in crumb rubber from recycled tires used as infill on synthetic turf football fields and found these chemicals present in all 135 samples tested. The concentrations were highest in commercial crumb rubber before field application, likely originating from silicone-based additives used in tire manufacturing. While the estimated human exposure doses through dermal absorption and ingestion during play were below health concern thresholds, the study confirms that synthetic turf microplastics serve as vectors for these emerging pollutants.
Assessment of the bioaccessibility of PAHs and other hazardous compounds present in recycled tire rubber employed in synthetic football fields
Researchers assessed the oral bioaccessibility of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from recycled tire crumb rubber used in synthetic football fields, finding 17 of 18 target PAHs present in simulated body fluids with potential health risks for children.
The Athlete's Invisible Opponent: Synthetic Turf Risks in Sustainable Stadiums and Green Chemistry Solutions
This review examined the health and environmental risks posed by styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) infill granules in third-generation synthetic sports pitches. The authors found that athletes are exposed to microplastics and carcinogenic compounds from rubber crumb, and reviewed green chemistry alternatives that could replace conventional infill while maintaining pitch performance.
A review of rubber tyre derived micro- and nanoplastics: fate, impact and risks
This systematic review examines microplastics generated from rubber tire wear, which are a major but often overlooked source of microplastic pollution. Tire particles spread through air, stormwater, and wastewater to contaminate both land and water. This is an important human health concern because tire-derived microplastics contain toxic chemicals and are found in the air people breathe and the water they drink.
Global evaluation of the chemical hazard of recycled tire crumb rubber employed on worldwide synthetic turf football pitches
Forty-two organic chemicals including PAHs, phthalates, and vulcanization agents were analyzed in 91 crumb rubber infill samples from synthetic turf football pitches globally, finding widespread contamination with hazardous compounds and identifying key chemical hazards for risk assessment.
Hazardous compounds in recreational and urban recycled surfaces made from crumb rubber. Compliance with current regulation and future perspectives
Researchers characterized 42 hazardous chemicals including PAHs, phthalates, and antioxidants in 40 crumb rubber surfaces used in sports fields and playgrounds, finding that most samples meet recent EU limits for rubber granulates but exceed standards for consumer products, and that multiple endocrine-disrupting compounds were widely detected at parts-per-million concentrations.
Recycled tire rubber materials in the spotlight. Determination of hazardous and lethal substances
Researchers analyzed crumb rubber from recycled tires used in artificial turf fields and playgrounds and found hazardous chemicals including 6PPD, a compound whose breakdown product (6PPD-quinone) is lethal to certain fish species. All 40 crumb rubber samples contained these toxic substances, while alternative infill materials like cork and sand were much safer. This is concerning because crumb rubber is itself a microplastic material, and children playing on these surfaces are directly exposed to both the particles and the chemicals they contain.
Airborne microplastic emissions from synthetic sports surfaces and associated health risks to children
This review examines synthetic sports surfaces like tracks and artificial turf as sources of airborne microplastic emissions in school environments, focusing on health risks to children. The study highlights evidence linking inhaled airborne microplastics to oxidative stress, inflammation, and systemic health effects, noting that children face heightened vulnerability due to their physiology and activity patterns on these surfaces.
Mechanisms of Generation and Ecological Impacts of Nano- and Microplastics from Artificial Turf Systems in Sports Facilities
This review examines how artificial turf in sports facilities generates nano- and microplastics through mechanical wear, UV radiation, and weathering of synthetic grass fibers and infill materials. These plastic particles have been detected in drainage systems and surrounding soils near sports facilities, with laboratory studies showing harmful effects on soil organisms and aquatic life. The findings highlight artificial turf as an overlooked but significant source of microplastic pollution in urban environments.
A new look at rubber recycling and recreational surfaces: The inorganic and OPE chemistry of vulcanised elastomers used in playgrounds and sports facilities
Researchers analyzed the chemical composition of recycled rubber crumb used in playgrounds and sports fields, measuring trace elements and organophosphate esters. They found high zinc concentrations in used tire crumb and identified numerous flame retardant and plasticizer chemicals across all sample types. The study raises concerns about chemical exposure from recreational rubber surfaces and calls for closer investigation of how these compounds weather and leach over time.
Tyre granulate on the loose; How much escapes the turf? A systematic literature review
Without mitigation measures, an average artificial football turf loses approximately 950 kg/year of tire rubber infill to the environment, with snow removal adding up to 830 kg/year more. The most effective reduction strategies target snow clearing, mechanical brushing, and granulate carried off by players.
Artificial turf and crumb rubber infill: An international policy review concerning the current state of regulations
This review compared artificial turf and crumb rubber infill regulations across seven jurisdictions, finding significant variation in regulatory approaches and insufficient research on the human and environmental health risks of these materials.
Environmental impacts of artificial turf: a scoping review
This scoping review examines the environmental impacts of artificial turf, documenting concerns around microplastic pollution from synthetic grass fibers and infill materials, chemical leaching, and end-of-life waste disposal.
Ecotoxicology of micronized tire rubber: Past, present and future considerations
This review synthesizes what is known about the ecotoxicology of micronized tire rubber particles, which are increasingly identified as a significant fraction of environmental microplastics, examining their effects on aquatic and terrestrial organisms. The authors note that tire rubber contains a complex mixture of chemical additives that may drive toxicity beyond the physical effects of the particles themselves.
The European Union Ban on Microplastics Includes Artificial Turf Crumb Rubber Infill: Other Nations Should Follow Suit
This viewpoint article discusses the European Union's decision to include artificial turf crumb rubber infill in its microplastics ban and argues that other countries should adopt similar policies. Crumb rubber, made from recycled tires, contains hundreds of chemicals including known carcinogens and leaches microplastic particles that athletes and children are exposed to during play. The authors urge nations to follow the EU's lead in protecting public health by restricting this significant source of microplastic exposure.
A comparison of two rotational traction test devices for artificial turf
Despite its title referencing microplastic infills, this paper studies sports pitch traction testing — not microplastic pollution. It examines the mechanical performance of two rotational traction test devices when used on artificial turf pitches infilled with natural alternatives (cork, olive pits, wood) that have replaced banned microplastic rubber crumb, and is not primarily relevant to microplastics or human health.
Concept development of granular traps : A study to reduce the spread of microplastics from artificial turf
This Swedish engineering thesis developed a concept for granular traps to prevent microplastics from artificial turf sports fields from spreading to surrounding environments via stormwater runoff. Tire crumb rubber and artificial turf infill are major sources of microplastic pollution in urban waterways.
Quantifying the Sustainability of Football (Soccer) Pitches: A Comparison of Artificial and Natural Turf Pitches with a Focus on Microplastics and Their Environmental Impacts
A comparative life cycle assessment of artificial turf and natural grass football pitches found that artificial turf generates substantial microplastic emissions, particularly from rubber crumb infill, with total environmental impacts differing by metric.