We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Papers
61,005 resultsShowing papers similar to Health impacts of artificial turf: Toxicity studies, challenges, and future directions
ClearTests 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.
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.
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.
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.
Artificial sport surfaces and adverse effects for human health. A literature review
This literature review evaluates health risks from artificial sport surfaces using recycled tire rubber infill, finding that the EU classifies rubber granules as microplastics and that their hazardous chemical content raises bio-accessibility concerns especially for children using playgrounds.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Widespread Occurrence of Non-Extractable Fluorine in Artificial Turfs from Stockholm, Sweden
Researchers found widespread non-extractable fluorine contamination in artificial turf samples from Stockholm, indicating the presence of PFAS compounds that could not be fully identified or quantified. Artificial turf fields are a known source of both microplastic rubber particles and toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances entering the environment.
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.
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.
Fate 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.
Environmental risks of breakdown nanoplastics from synthetic football fields
Researchers collected drainage water from a synthetic football field and tested whether nanoplastics released from the turf materials were toxic to aquatic organisms. They found that broken-down particles from the rubber granules used as infill were highly toxic to water fleas, particularly chemicals from the granule surfaces. The study raises concerns about the environmental impact of synthetic sports turf on nearby 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.
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.
Car Tire Crumb Rubber: Does Leaching Produce a Toxic Chemical Cocktail in Coastal Marine Systems?
Researchers analyzed the chemical content of tire crumb rubber used on synthetic turf fields and tested its leachates in seawater on marine copepods. They found that a cocktail of organic additives and heavy metals, particularly zinc and benzothiazole, readily leached from the rubber into seawater and accumulated in the copepods. The study suggests that tire crumb rubber used in coastal areas represents a source of microplastic-associated chemical contamination that can harm marine organisms.
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.
Widespread Occurrence of Non-Extractable Fluorine in Artificial Turfs from Stockholm, Sweden
Researchers found widespread non-extractable fluorine — indicative of PFAS compounds — in artificial turf fields across Stockholm, with total fluorine detected in all 51 samples tested, raising concerns about PFAS contamination in synthetic turf materials and potential exposure for athletes and nearby ecosystems.
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.
Environmental and health hazards of chemicals in plastic polymers and products
Researchers reviewed the environmental and health hazards of chemicals in plastic polymers and products, examining the toxicological profiles of monomers, additives, and degradation products that can leach from plastics into food, water, and the environment. The study identifies numerous plastic-associated chemicals with endocrine-disrupting, carcinogenic, or developmental toxicity potential and calls for more comprehensive safety testing of plastic formulations.
Development of a new lysimeter system to assess microplastic, PAH and heavy metal emissions from artificial turf sports pitches
Researchers developed a new lysimeter system designed to measure emissions of microplastics, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and heavy metals leaching from artificial turf sports pitches, responding to European Commission regulations introduced in September 2023 that ban synthetic rubber infill granules. The system enables controlled quantification of pollutant release from multi-component turf systems including polyethylene grass fibres, EPDM rubber infill, and carpet backing under realistic rainfall conditions.