Help inform the consultation on rubber crumb, today!

BALI is supporting the Institute of Groundsmanship (IOG) by sharing an opportunity to input into an ECHA public consultation about a matter that has implications for the grounds management sector. It will take no more than two minutes of your time.

3G artificial sports pitches are regarded as one of the most significant developments in artificial turf.  In contrast to 2G pitches, which consist of a sand base and short synthetic grass layer, 3G incorporates a rubber crumb between the sand and synthetic grass, which acts as a shock absorber.  The result is a surface which is resistant to wear and weather like 2G, but otherwise boasts similar shock absorbing qualities to real turf.  This characteristic is due to the use of a rubber crumb which, in the simplest terms, is recycled automotive tyres with the cord removed.  Unfortunately, the use of recycled tyres in this application has caused controversy in recent years, due to fears of a possible link between individuals who come into contact with the material and cancer. 

This possible link is not new, and research has previously been carried out to establish if there is any evidence.  A proposal by the European Chemical Health Agency, to place a limit on the concentration of material used on surfaces is seeking responses from stakeholders.  The IOG has encouraged members and other trade associations to contribute to the enquiry if they have any information on the current practices and measures used to control worker exposure, during the installation and maintenance of synthetic turf pitches, playgrounds, or in other applications.

The survey is only three questions long and can be found at this link.