Recycling and Recovery, is conduct- ing the evaluation which, according to Washington D.C.’s WJLA ABC 7 News reporter Joce Sterman, is being designed to deliver the kind of information states, communities and parents are looking for so they can make informed decisions about install- ing synthetic turf fields that use crumb rubber infill in their community and in recreation areas.
Sterman reports the California assessment will involve a series of scientific studies to determine if chemicals in tire crumb can po- tentially be released under various environmental conditions and what, if any, health risks these potential releases may pose to players who use synthetic fields constructed with tire crumb. The evaluation includes expert solicitation and stakeholder participation to help guide the design and EPA and other federal agencies are actively engaged in that process. Sterman adds, “EPA and other fed- eral agencies are collaborating with California as they design and carry out their assessment.” For example, scientists from EPA have been pro- viding technical advice on the design of the studies and the EPA stated they “will continue to engage with California on the implementation of the studies as well as the interpreta- tion of the results.”
TPI reached out to contact Dr. Melanie Marty, Acting Deputy Director for Scientific Affairs, Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), regard- ing the California Synthetic Turf Study and inquired if carbon black nanoparticles in crumb rubber were going to be assessed as part of the Synthetic Turf Study. The question was presented because, as previously noted, nanoparticle testing was not reflected in the recent Yale Univer- sity study nor was it in a previous crumb rubber study conducted by CalRecycle in 2010. TPI has also
made inquiries as to who assisted OEHHA in establishing their guide- lines for the proposed study because it is important for the credibility of the study that it be science-based and that numerous sports turf and parks and recreation professionals and scientists provide input.
OEHHA
On the issue of nanoparticle research we received a prompt response from Patty Wong, Ph.D., Senior Toxicologist, Chief, Special Investigations Section, Pesticide and Environmental Toxicology Branch Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, who wrote: “OEHHA has received several suggestions on the con- cerns of carbon black from crumb rubber. We are in the process of collecting public input on the study. We are compiling the public input for review by the Synthetic Turf Scientific Expert Panel. The Panel will advise the project plan. In the meantime, any specific input on your thoughts on how these substances should be investigated will be helpful and appreciated.”
TPI has forwarded Dr. Wong a substantial list of past and more recent studies related to nanoparticles research which contained the names of numerous research scientists and/ or research-related firms who have, or who are now, exploring this issue.
OEHHA expects to report their results in two-to-three years and the TPI staff will continue to monitor and report on the data released by the study leaders.
In addition to health consequences that might be related to chemicals released from crumb rubber, concern persists about the heat given off by ar- tificial fields and the health risks that the heat poses to athletes and children.
Hong Kong Researcher Raises Concerns Over Heat Generated by Crumb
Rubber Fields The South China Morning Post recent- ly reported that the first comprehen-
TPI TURF NEWS • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
“A human being will not be feeling just the air temperature but the heat sensa- tion,” Chi-yung said.
The Post went on to state that Chi- 29
sive study on heat stress and artificial turf in Hong Kong raises some serious concerns. The Post reported that data compiled by Professor Jim Chi-yung, chair professor of geography at the University of Hong Kong, shows that the surface temperature of artificial turf can be considerably hotter than the air temperature in summer, and that athletes and children are particu- larly vulnerable to “heat stress” and the risk of heat stroke. This adds to con- cerns that artificial turf can intensify urban temperatures, contributing to the heat island effect.
According to Chi-yung’s data, the surface temperature of artificial turf in 35°C (95°F) heat can shoot up to a sizzling 70°C (158°F) while real turf peaks no higher than 38°C (100°F). Chi-yung also found that the air temperature 50 cm (19.6 in) above ground was higher than temperatures at 150 cm (59 in), meaning small children were at greater risk to high heat exposure.
The research also found that heat stress—the effect of heat in generating pressure or discomfort on the body—to be far greater on artificial turf pitches than natural grass pitches.
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