Sprague Field Task Force
Health and Environmental Sub-Group
REPORT OF THE HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUB-GROUP
The attached Bibliography contains the many studies and reports that have been
reviewed by the Sub-Group. From these reports it is clear that tire crumb rubber
in-fill contains certain organic compounds and metals that can be hazardous to a
person's health or the environment. These include, among others, polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), benzene,
phthalates, phenols, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), nitrosamines, latex,
zinc and lead. Some of these chemicals are known to be carcinogenic.
Some of these studies or reports conclude that exposure to crumb rubber does
not create an elevated health risk. Other studies suggest that the health risk is of
greater concern. These studies use various methodologies and laboratory tests.
None of the members of the Sub-Group are qualified to critique the methods and
tests to confirm or disagree with the studies.
Some recent studies have criticized the existing studies and reports, suggest that
the health risk is of greater concern, and state that further testing and studies are
needed and that the existing studies are not sufficient to be a public health safety
evaluation. As a result, these studies conclude that tire crumb rubber in-fill should
not be used for new synthetic fields.
There is no study or report equivalent to a CDC health impact assessment
concerning tire crumb rubber in-fill.
Below is a discussion of some of the most significant organic compounds and
metals contained in tire crumb rubber infill and the environmental effects of
synthetic turf based on various studies listed in the Bibliography.
I.
Health
1. PAHs: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of over 100
different chemicals that are formed during the incomplete burning of coal,
oil and gas, garbage, or other organic substances like tobacco or
charbroiled meat. PAHs are usually found as a mixture containing two or
more of these compounds, such as soot.
Some PAHs are manufactured. These pure PAHs usually exist as
colorless, white, or pale yellow-green solids. PAHs are found in coal tar,
crude oil, creosote, and roofing tar, but a few are used in medicines or to
make dyes, plastics, and pesticides.
They may be absorbed by humans through inhalation, ingestion or dermal
contact. PAHs have been identified as substances that may cause cancer
in humans.
PAHs may be released from rubber infill into the air and water. PAHs may
be absorbed by humans through inhalation, ingestion or dermal contact.
The release of PAHs has been studied via leaching, release into the air in
indoor pitches, dermal contact and ingestion. In these scenarios, the
exposure to PAHs has variously been found to be insignificant, and judged
not to contribute to an elevated health risk and/or not to cause an
increased risk of cancer. No academic or governmental outdoor air
studies are available but some recent testing of outdoor fields in Long
Island by a private firm revealed no significant PAHs.
2. Benzene: Benzene is a type of aromatic hydrocarbon and VOC. It is
used as a solvent. It has been identified as a carcinogen, particularly
regarding leukemia. Benzene may be absorbed by humans through
inhalation, ingestion or dermal contact. Indoor air quality and other
studies have concluded that the release of benzene will not cause an
increased risk of cancer. No outdoor air studies are available.
3. Phthalates, Alkyphenols and Oxyphenols: Phthalates are typically used
as a plasticizer. Alkyphenols and Oxyphenols are used as surfactants or
plasticizers or antioxidants. Their release has been studied in water
leachate and air in indoor pitches. They have been identified as endocrine
disruptors, and may affect the nervous system, liver, kidneys, blood
forming organs, genetic material and reproductive organs, and may affect
allergies and cancer. Studies have shown no acute health effects from
dermal contact, inhalation or ingestion. Studies have suggested long-term
effects are no cause for concern. Studies indicate that release of these
substances is negligible and tolerable and will not cause increased or
elevated health risks. No outdoor air studies are available.
4. VOCs: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from
certain solids or liquids. VOCs include a variety of chemicals, some of
which may have short- and long-term adverse health effects. Laboratory
and indoor studies show health effects are insignificant. They may cause
odors or mucous membrane irritation which is reversible. No outdoor air
studies are available.
5. Zinc and other Metals: Leaching studies show elevated levels of Zinc in
surface run-off waters adjacent to pitches. The amount of leaching will be
greater or less depending on factors such as temperature, rainfall, acidity,
age, wear, etc. For instance investigation shows that zinc will leach from
the tire rubber at very high levels when the pH is low (very acidic).
Leaching studies indicate that releases of Zinc may exceed environmental
limits but that any effects are localized. Zinc, decays rapidly to background
levels as the run-off migrates beyond the trench around the playing field.
Measurements of Zinc in leaching studies are generally below the accepted
US standard of the EPA’s National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations
standard of 5 mg/L.
Too much Zinc can cause health problems, such as stomach cramps, skin
irritations, vomiting, nausea and anemia. Very high levels of Zinc can
damage the pancreas and disturb the protein metabolism, and cause
arteriosclerosis. Extensive exposure to Zinc chloride can cause respiratory
disorders.
Zinc can be a danger to unborn and newborn children. When mothers have
absorbed large concentrations of Zinc their children may be exposed to it
through blood or milk.
Some fish can accumulate Zinc in their bodies when they live in Zinccontaminated waterways. When Zinc enters the bodies of these fish it is
able to biomagnify up the food chain.
Large quantities of Zinc can accumulate in soils. When the soils of
farmland are polluted with Zinc, animals will absorb concentrations that are
damaging to their health.
Water-soluble Zinc that is located in soils can contaminate groundwater. It
can be a threat to plant species. Plants may have a Zinc uptake that their
systems cannot handle, due to the accumulation of Zinc in soils. On Zincrich soils only a limited number of plants have a chance of survival. That is
why there is not much plant diversity near Zinc-disposing factories. Due to
the effects upon plants Zinc is a serious threat to the productions of
farmlands.
Finally, Zinc can interrupt the activity in soils, as it negatively influences the
activity of microorganisms and earthworms. The breakdown of organic
matter may seriously slow down because of this.
Studies do not indicate any appreciable concern for other metals.
6. Nitrosamines: These amines are potent animal carcinogens, and may be
close to aflatoxin in risk. There are also other health effects besides the
cancer risk and they could include the target organs of the liver, kidney,
lungs, skin and eyes. Individual substances may vary on symptoms such
as but not limited to headache, fever, weakness, stomach upsets,
enlargement of the liver and jaundice. These have been detected in air
quality studies. There potential effect on health is questionable.
7. PCBs: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are associated with cancer and
effects on the immune system, reproductive system, nervous system and
hormonal system. Some have dioxin-like effects. They may be absorbed
through air, water or dermal contact. They are harmful if they accumulate
in the body. Studies involving artificial turf have concluded that PCBs
have no observed health effect and they do not constitute an elevated
health risk.
8. Allergies/Asthma: The risk of exposure to rubber infill dust and its
component parts, such as latex, as a cause of allergies and asthma
cannot be eliminated. Studies indicate that it is not possible to assess the
risk of allergies and asthma regarding exposure to phthalates from rubber
infill.
9. Contact Dermatitis: The development of contact dermatitis, principally
involving latex exposure, is not expected and is judged to involve an
insignificant health risk.
II.
Environment
a.
Air Pollution
1.
Artificial turf using rubber infill has not been identified as a major
source of air pollution. The only available studies involve indoor
pitches. The health effects of those studies are discussed above.
No academic or governmental outdoor air studies are available but
some recent testing of outdoor fields in Long Island by a private
firm revealed no significant PAHs.
b.
Water Pollution
1.
Zinc: Leachate studies show elevated levels of Zinc in surface runoff waters adjacent to pitches. Leaching is expected to occur over
many years, but any effects are localized. Measurements of Zinc
are generally below the accepted US standard of the EPA’s
National Secondary Drinking Water Regulations standard of 5
mg/L. Studies do not indicate any appreciable concern for other
metals.
2.
PAHs: The release of PAHs has been studied via leaching.
Leaching of PAHs exceeded the “no environmental impact
threshold.” Leaching is expected to occur over many years, but
any effects are localized.
3.
Alkyphenols and Oxyphenols: Leaching of Alkyphenols and
Oxyphenols exceeded the “no environmental impact threshold.”
Leaching is expected to occur over many years, but any effects are
localized.
c.
Global Warming
1.
Artificial turf pitches have been reported to produce significantly
higher surface temperatures than grass fields. However, their
impact on global warming has not been sufficiently studied such
that a realistic evaluation of their effect on global warming can be
given. Stuart Gaffin, an atmospheric scientist whose focus is
excess heat in urban areas and storm-water runoff, has said
synthetic turf poses problems on both scores. Last summer, as
part of a study of heat radiation in New York City, Gaffin found the
temperature above artificial turf fields measured at 140 to 160
degrees Fahrenheit, creating what he described as "heat islands."
Gaffin, with the Center for Climate Systems Research at Columbia
University in New York City, wrote in an e-mail to Globe West that
the "surfaces are among the hottest possible for urban areas,
rivaling dark roofs and fresh asphalt."
In addition, the tree planting offset requirements to achieve a 10year carbon neutral synthetic turf installation is estimated to be
1861 trees (+/- 23%).
III.
Conclusions:
After a thorough literature review and careful consideration of articles from known
sources with no or limited bias for or against synthetic turf, this Sub-Group has
drawn the following conclusions.
The options before us are to use well-maintained grass fields or consider a
limited number of synthetic turf fields that we consider safe.
Our conclusions:

Most synthetic turf fields on the market contain loose crumb rubber infill,
the most popular of which is from recycled automobile and truck tires. It is
well-documented that tires and loose crumb rubber infill contain a wide
variety of chemicals and metals that can be dangerous to human health
and the environment. However, there is significant debate about whether
these chemicals and metals are released into the environment at
dangerous levels.

The major health and environmental concerns associated with synthetic
turf fields are derived from the use of loose crumb rubber infill. Other field
materials, such as synthetic grass blades, backing and pad, have not
been reported as being a health or environmental risk. There are products
on the market that do not use infill or which use a type of infill not made
from crumb tire; such fields may conceivably minimize the risk to the
environment and the health of our community. These types of fields have
not been studied or reviewed.

This Sub-Group unanimously agrees that should the SFTF choose to
recommend installation of artificial turf fields at the Sprague Field, the
safest synthetic turf field for use in Wellesley from a health and
environmental perspective is one that does not use loose crumb rubber
infill. Products that do not utilize loose crumb rubber infill or products
utilizing alternatives to loose crumb rubber infill should be aggressively
explored to minimize risk to the health of field users and the environment.
Respectfully submitted:
Tom Brown
Richard Morse
Curt Smith
Mike Urban
December 5, 2007; includes edits made at SFTF meeting on this date.
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