Ordinance 4125and
ORDINANCE NO. 4125
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS,
WASHINGTON, EXTENDING THE PROHIBITION OF THE
INSTALLATION OF STYRENE-BUTADIENE RUBBER (ALSO
KNOWN AS SBR OR "CRUMB RUBBER") ON PUBLICLY -
OWNED ATHLETIC FIELDS WITHIN THE CITY OF
EDMONDS FOR SIX MONTHS; DECLARING AN
EMERGENCY.
WHEREAS, the city council adopted Ordinance 4013 on December 8, 2015; and
WHEREAS, Ordinance 4013 prohibited certain installations of SBR until July 11, 2017;
WHEREAS, the city council adopted Ordinance 4065.1 on April 11, 2017, which extended
the sunset date of the prohibitions set forth in Ordinance 4013 until February 28, 2018; and
WHEREAS, the city council adopted Ordinance 4097 on February 20, 2018, which
extended the sunset date of the prohibition set forth in Ordinance 4013 until August 15, 2018; and
WHEREAS, the Edmonds City Council intended for additional analysis to be done during
the prohibition period to determine whether the duration of the prohibition should be extended;
and
WHEREAS, on February 12, 2016, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
(ATSDR), and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) launched a multi -
agency Federal Research Action Plan on Recycled Tire Crumb Used on Playing Fields and
Playgrounds to study key environmental and human health questions; and
WHEREAS, on December 30, 2016, these agencies released a status report describing the
progress of the research to date. The status report includes the final peer -reviewed Literature
Review/Gaps Analysis report and describes the progress to date on other research activities that
are part of the effort including:
• Characterization of the chemicals found in tire crumb.
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• Characterization of the exposure scenarios for those who use turf fields containing tire
crumb.
Study to better understand how children use playgrounds containing tire crumb.
• Outreach to key stakeholders; and
WHEREAS, the status report does not include research findings. For the characterization
of the chemicals research, tire crumb material has been collected from tire recycling plants and
synthetic turf fields around the U.S. Tire crumb samples have been gathered from nine tire crumb
recycling plants, 19 fields located on US Army installations and 21 community fields including
both indoor and outdoor fields. Analysis of the tire crumb samples collected from fields and
recycling facilities, and the exposure characterization component of the study will continue in
2017. Parts of the exposure study may be conducted during the hotter months of 2017. The CPSC
playground study also will continue in 2017; and
WHEREAS, this federal research effort won't provide all the answers about whether
synthetic turf fields are safe, it represents the first time that such a large study is being conducted
across the U.S. The study will provide a better understanding of potential exposures that athletes
and others may experience and will help answer some of the key questions that have been raised.
Depending upon the findings, available resources and other considerations, additional research
beyond the first year may be conducted; and
WHEREAS, the EPA has provided a question and answer sheet regarding tire crumb which
is attached hereto as Attachment A; and
WHEREAS, on August 2, 2017, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approved
the Information Collection Request for the continuation of the exposure characterization part of
the study; and
WHEREAS, with the OMB approval, the EPA and CDC/ATSDR team were able to
complete the field work associated with the exposure characterization in the Fall of 2017; and
WHEREAS, prior to the August 2017 OMB approval, the exposure characterization
portion of the study as outlined in the Federal Research Action Plan was posted for public comment
in February 2017; and
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WHEREAS, an additional requirement of a 30-day Federal Register Notice, along with the
Information Collection Request package was published on June 12, 2017; and
WHEREAS, the draft report was sent for external peer -review in May 2018; and
WHEREAS, the draft was expected to be released for public comment in mid -summer
2018, but had not been release as of the drafting of this ordinance; and
WHEREAS, there will be an opportunity for the public to review the draft report and
provide comments; and
WHEREAS, the final report that considers technical and public feedback is projected to be
released mid -fall 2018; and
WHEREAS, the California Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Environmental
Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) is also conducting a study on synthetic turf and potential
human health impacts. An August 30, 2016 fact sheet related to that study is attached hereto as
Attachment B; and
WHEREAS, the Synthetic Turf Scientific Advisory Panel is a group of expert scientists
that the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has convened to provide
scientific advice on its Synthetic Turf Study; and
WHEREAS, the Panel last met on May 25, 2018; and
WHEREAS, the Panel advises OEHHA on study plans, data interpretation, and reporting
of study results; and
WHEREAS, the goal of the OEHHA study is to assess the potential health impact
associated with the use of synthetic turf and playground mats made of crumb rubber; and
WHEREAS, OEHHA was previously expected to release a draft report describing the
preliminary data and results of the study in mid-2018, but that had not occurred as of the date this
ordinance was drafted; and
WHEREAS, given the ongoing nature of this significant research effort, the city council
would like to extend the prohibition contained in Ordinance 4013 for six months; and
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WHEREAS, it is possible that the city council will want to extend the prohibition again
depending on the status of these ongoing research efforts and the findings that they might generate;
and
WHEREAS, since the adoption of Ordinance 4013, the City of Seattle, as a pilot project,
has replaced the SBR material at its Bobby Morris Playfield with an infill made from cork; and
WHEREAS, Seattle's pilot project will test the durability, safety, playability,
maintainability and environmental health of the cork turf infill material; and
WHEREAS, the Edmonds School District has pending applications before the City's
hearing examiner related to a project known as the Edmonds-Woodway High School Synthetic
Turf Conversion; and
WHEREAS, the field infill material is not part of that review nor any of the associated land
use permits; and
WHEREAS, depending on the Edmonds School District's anticipated construction
schedule for this project, a gap in the moratorium coverage due to the normal 30-day effective date
could allow for SBR to be installed as part of that project; and
WHEREAS, the safety of SBR is still be studied by and is of great concern to the Edmonds
City Council; and
WHEREAS, a declaration of emergency is appropriate to ensure that SBR is not installed
during a gap in the moratorium coverage; NOW, THEREFORE,
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS, WASHINGTON, DO ORDAIN
AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Definitions.
The following definitions shall apply to Section 2 of this ordinance:
A. SBR. "SBR" is an athletic field material consisting of recycled tires consisting of
styrene-butadiene rubber. It is commonly known as "crumb rubber." It is used as an infill material
and/or as a base layer under the infill.
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B. Publicly -owned athletic fields. A "publicly -owned athletic field" is an athletic field
owned by a city, county, school district, port district, hospital district, other special purpose district
or government entity.
Section 2. SBR Prohibition.
For as long as this ordinance remains in effect, it shall be unlawful to:
A. Install SBR on publicly -owned athletic fields already existing within the City of
Edmonds if those fields have not already been converted to an SBR composition;
B. Install SBR on new public -owned athletic fields within the City of Edmonds;
C. Install SBR on existing publicly -owned SBR athletic fields within the City of
Edmonds as part of a substantial renovation of such existing SBR fields,
PROVIDED THAT, for maintenance purposes, infill top dressing of existing SBR
fields shall be allowed as needed to keep an appropriate amount of the fiber exposed
and to maintain proper infill depth.
Section 3. Additional Analysis. During the above -described prohibition, city council
intends to:
A. Monitor the status of ongoing and new research into the health effects of SBR,
including but not limited to the significant studies being performed by the federal
government and the state of California;
B. Conduct a public hearing to determine whether this ordinance should be extended
when there is sufficient new information to warrant a public hearing.
Section 4. Sunset. Unless the effective duration of this ordinance is shortened or
extended by a subsequently adopted ordinance, the provisions of this ordinance shall be null, void,
and of no force and effect after six months from August 21, 2018, the effective date of this
ordinance.
Section 5. Severability. If any section, subsection, clause, sentence, or phrase of this
ordinance should be held invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of
the remaining portions of this ordinance.
Wi
plus one of the whole membership of the Council, and that the same is not subject to a referendum
(RCW 35A.12.130). Without an immediate extension of the moratorium on the installation of
SBR, it could be installed as part of a pending project by the Edmonds School District. Therefore,
the moratorium must be extended as an emergency measure to protect the public health, safety and
welfare, and to prevent the installation of SBR at least until the city council can review the pending
studies concerning the safety of the material.
Section 7. Publication. This Ordinance shall be published by an approved summary
consisting of the title.
Section 8. Effective Date, This Ordinance shall take effect and be in full force and effect
immediately upon passage, as set forth herein, as long as it is approved by a majority plus one of
the entire membership of the Council, as required by RCW 35A.12.130.
ATTEST/AUTHENTICATED :
C LERK,S OTT SSEY
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
OFFICE OF THE CITY ATTORNEY:
BY l _ 1 5W
b' JE FftTARADAY
FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK: August 17, 2018
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL: August 21, 2018
PUBLISHED: August 26, 2018
EFFECTIVE DATE: August 21, 2018
ORDINANCE NO. 4125
r
SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO.4125
of the City of Edmonds, Washington
On the 21" day of August, 2018, the City Council of the City of Edmonds, passed
Ordinance No. 4125. A summary of the content of said ordinance, consisting of the title,
provides as follows:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF EDMONDS,
WASHINGTON, EXTENDING THE PROHIBITION OF
THE INSTALLATION OF STYRENE-BUTADIENE
RUBBER (ALSO KNOWN AS SBR OR "CRUMB
RUBBER") ON PUBLICLY -OWNED ATHLETIC
FIELDS WITHIN THE CITY OF EDMONDS FOR SIX
MONTHS; DECLARING AN EMERGENCY.
The full text of this Ordinance will be mailed upon request.
DATED this 22ND day of August, 2018.
"S ;
C " LRK, SC T 'ASSEY
7
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Tire Crumb Questions and Answers
Q. Which agencies are involved with the Federal Research Action Plan?
This plan is led and chiefly implemented by the US Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National
Center for Environmental Health/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
Registry (CDC-NCEH/ATSDR), in cooperation with the US Consumer Product
Safety Commission (CPSC) and other agencies. Other agencies such as National
Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, the U.S. Department of Defense and
California's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) will
provide expertise, facilities and/or sharing of information.
Q. What research is included in the Federal Research Action Plan? Will it
answer the question of whether tire crumb is safe?
The plan includes four research activities:
1. Outreach to key stakeholders - EPA, CDC/ATSDR, and CPSC are having
discussions with other government agencies that have researched or are
currently researching tire crumb that provide expertise to inform the federal
study, and other key stakeholder groups including tire crumb
manufacturers, non-profit organizations, field installers and maintenance
professionals, and field users.
2. Analysis of data gaps - EPA, CDC/ATSDR, and CPSC evaluated the
existing scientific information related to the use of recycled rubber tire
crumb in synthetic turf fields to understand the current state -of -the -science
and inform the research activities. The Literature Review and Data Gaps
Analysis is included in the status report released in December 2016.
3. Characterization of the chemicals found in tire crumb - EPA,
CDC/ATSDR, and CPSC are testing tire crumb from different
manufacturing plants and fields. These tests, along with existing scientific
information from the literature, will help us better understand the make-up
of tire crumb.
4. Characterization of the exposure scenarios - EPA, CDC/ATSDR, and
CPSC are conducting several activities to better understand potential
exposures that may occur when people use synthetic turf fields. This work
is considering all possible ways that one may be exposed including by
breathing, unintentionally ingesting, or touching tire crumb or the
chemicals in tire crumb.
While this effort won't provide all the answers, the information will help answer
some of the key questions that have been raised about tire crumb used in synthetic
turf fields and will provide a better understanding of potential exposures that field
users may experience by using these fields. The research activities have been
prioritized based on data needs and available resources. This study will provide a
better understanding of the chemicals found in tire crumb and the potential
exposures that field users may experience by using these fields. This study, in and
of itself, will not determine if fields are safe, but this work is a necessary first step
that needs to be taken.
Depending on the findings, available resources and other considerations,
additional research beyond the first year may be conducted.
Q. What is the status of the research?
On December 30, 2016, the agencies released a status report describing the
progress of the research to date. The status report includes the final peer -reviewed
Literature Review/Gaps Analysis report and describes the progress to date on
other research activities that are part of the effort including:
■ Characterization of the chemicals found in tire crumb.
• Characterization of the exposure scenarios for those who use turf fields
containing tire crumb.
• Study to better understand how children use playgrounds containing tire
crumb.
• Outreach to key stakeholders.
A final peer -reviewed Literature Review/Gaps Analysis was publicly released in
December 2016 as part of the status report. The status report does not include
research findings.
Collection of tire crumb samples from fields and recycling facilities is complete.
Tire crumb samples were gathered from nine tire crumb manufacturing plants, 19
fields located on U.S. Army installations and 21 community fields across the U.S.
Fields included both outdoor and indoor fields. Analysis of the tire crumb samples
collected from fields and recycling facilities, and the exposure characterization
component of the study, will continue in 2017. Parts of the exposure study may be
conducted during the hotter months of 2017. The CPSC playground study will
continue in 2017.
The Synthetic Turf Fields with Tire Crumb Rubber Infill Research Protocol
document was extensively reviewed, including a peer -review and an Institutional
Review Board review, and the document is now final. Data collection components
of the Federal Research on Recycled Tire Crumbs went through a public comment
period and an Information Collection Request review conducted by the Office of
Management and Budget. Peer -review and public comments are publicly
available on the OMB's website. One of the main research activities gathered tire
crumb samples from tire crumb manufacturing plants and from fields across the
country.
EPA, ATSDR, and CPSC have engaged various stakeholder groups through a
number of outreach activities including a public comment process, webinars,
conference calls, and in -person meetings. Stakeholder outreach efforts were
targeted to the public as well as specific stakeholder groups, such as government
organizations (other federal agencies, state agencies, local government and
international government), industry and non-profit/interest groups.
As it is available, updated information will be posted to EPA's tire crumb website
(www.e12Lt.gov/tirecrLimb).
Q. When did the research begin and when will it end?
The Federal Research Action Plan launched on February 12, 2016. The data
collection components (tire crumb sample collection and exposure
chracterization) of the study received OMB approval in August 2016. EPA,
ATSDR, and CPSC engaged various stakeholder groups through a number of
outreach activities including a public comment process, webinars, conference
calls, and in -person meetings. The final peer reviewed Literature Review/Gaps
Analysis report along with a progress report for other components of the study
was released in December 2016. Analysis of the tire crumb samples collected
from fields and recycling facilities, and the exposure characterization component
of the study, will continue in 2017. Parts of the exposure study may be conducted
during the hotter months of 2017. The CPSC playground study also will continue
in 2017.
Q. Where can I find responses to the public comments on this research
submitted through the Federal Register Notice?
Public comments submitted in response to the Federal Register Notice have been
reviewed by EPA and CDC/ATSDR. EPA and CDC/ATSDR responses to public
comments are available online -
http://www.regirifo.gov/public/do/PRAViewDocument?ref nbz-201607-0923-001
Q. What is the research protocol document?
The research protocol document describes the study design and protocol for three
research activities in the Federal Research Action Plan including the literature
review and data gaps analysis; the tire crumb collection and characterization; and
the characterization of human exposure to tire crumb in synthetic turf fields. The
document explains the study objectives, research design, methods that are being
used to characterize tire crumb and the exposures, data analysis techniques and
the quality assurance/quality control measures in place to ensure the integrity of
the research.
Q: Where are the fields located that will be studied?
Tire crumb samples were gathered from nine tire crumb manufacturing plants, 19
fields located on U.S. Army installations and 21 community fields across the U.S.
Fields included both outdoor and indoor fields. The analysis of the tire crumb
samples is underway. These locations include both outdoor and indoor playing
fields. To protect privacy, the names of the specific locations sampled will not be
released to the public.
Q. How can I find out more information about this research?
As it is available, updated information about the study will be posted to EPA's
Tire Crumb Website: www.e} aa,gov/tirecrumb.
Q. What stakeholder outreach activities have been completed as part of this
study?
EPA, ATSDR, and CPSC have engaged various stakeholder groups through a
number of outreach activities including a public comment period, webinars,
conference calls, and in -person meetings. Stakeholder outreach efforts were
targeted to the public as well as specific stakeholder groups such as government
organizations (other federal agencies, state agencies, local government and
international government), industry and non-profit/interest groups.
The purpose of the stakeholder outreach was to inform the public about the
Federal Research Action Plan on Recycled Tire Crumb Used on Playing Fields
and Playgrounds and to encourage stakeholders to provide feedback on studies
that are part of the research. The outreach to specific stakeholder groups also
included information sharing around the manufacturing and the use of tire crumb
in synthetic turf fields.
Q. What are the key findings of the Literature Review/Gaps Analysis?
An important component of any research is to understand the state of the science
and any data gaps. The peer -reviewed Literature Review/Gaps Analysis (LRGA)
provides a current summary of the available literature and capture the data gaps as
characterized in those publications. The overall goals of the LRGA were to inform
the interagency research study and to identify potential areas for future research
that might be needed. The LRGA identified 90 references. Each reference
reviewed was categorized according to 20 general information categories (e.g.,
study topic, geographic location, sample type, conditions, and populations
studied) and more than 100 sub -categories (e.g., study topic subcategories: site
characterization, production process, leaching, off -gassing, microbial analysis,
and human risk). The research in the Federal Research Action Plan addresses
many of the gaps identified, particularly with respect to tire crumb rubber
characterization and exposure characterization. The review provides information
useful for guiding and designing future research efforts needed to further address
questions regarding exposures and risks for tire crumb rubber used in synthetic
turf fields and playgrounds.
Q. How is the Federal Government working with California?
California's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), under
contract from CalRecycle, is conducting a comprehensive evaluation of tire
crumb. This evaluation is being designed to deliver the kind of information states,
communities and parents are looking for so they can make informed decisions for
their communities and their families. The US National Toxicology Program, at the
request of California's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment,
initiated a research program to better understand potential health impacts of
chemicals released from synthetic turf with an emphasis on crumb rubber. More
information about the NTP research is online
at http://iitr).iiielis,.iiih.gov/[-esultsZareas/`s.yiitketictiii.f earch.11tinl. EPA, CPSC
and other federal agencies are also working with California's OEHHA to provide
expertise to assist with OEHHA's evaluation of tire crumb. More information
about California's study is online - htt.://oehht.ct.gov/risk-iissessment/syntlictic-
turf-studies.
Q. How is the US Federal Government working with other international
government organizations interested in this topic, including the European
Chemicals Agency?
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) contacted EPA expressing their interest
in the U.S. study. ECHA is an agency of the European Union that implements
chemical legislation for the protection of human health and the environment. This
interest has resulted in regular calls with ECHA and an in -person meeting. During
these meetings, information related to research efforts are shared. In addition, the
Netherlands and France are also interested in studying tire crumb rubber exposure
and characterization and communications with these organizations are on -going.
More information about ECHA's study is online -
littl)s://eclia.ettropa.eii/addressing-cheiiiicals-of coneern/re. trio ion ckills-for-
comments-acid-evidence/- s bstance-rev 15331 /term.
Q. What advice do you have for communities who are concerned about the
use of tire crumb in fields?
We recognize that communities, parents and state and local officials are concerned
about tire crumb used in synthetic turf fields. While this short-term study won't
provide all the answers, the study's findings will provide a better understanding of
the chemical composition of tire crumb and the potential exposures people may
experience by using these fields.
Communities, parents, state and local officials are encouraged to explore the
federal agencies' websites (CPSC - https:ll�vww.cpsc.gavl5afety_
Education/Safety -Education -Centers/Crtimb-Rubber Safety -Information -Center
and EPA - 4vww.epa.gov/tirecrumb) to review the research results available to -
date on the use of recycled tire rubber in playgrounds and synthetic turf fields. In
addition, concerned individuals can check their state's public health agency
websites to determine if there are state -specific recommendations. EPA compiled
a list of information from state government websites, which can be found online —
www.ep,t.gov/tirecrumb .
Q. Are there any alternative materials/products that can be used?
EPA is aware of a few alternatives to tire crumb that can be used as infill in
synthetic turf, such as organic materials like sand, coconut husks, or cork. In
addition, CPSC has suggested that the public and homeowners may use shredded
mulch, and other materials to create a shock -absorbing surface under backyard
and public playgrounds. However, EPA has not independently studied or
evaluated any of these alternative materials.
Q. Who regulates the management and disposal of used tires?
State solid waste agencies are primarily responsible for regulating the
management of used tires at their end of life, including options for recycling and
disposal. You can consult your state solid waste regulatory agency for information
and guidance on the proper management of used tires in a particular state.
Q. How is tire crumb produced?
Tire crumb is manufactured by reducing scrap tires down to various sizes
depending on its intended application and market use, and by removing 99
percent or more of the steel and fabric from them. The tire crumb is classified by
sifting screens that return oversize pieces back into the reduction process.
Magnets are used throughout the process to remove the wire and other metal
contaminants and air separators are used to remove the fabric. The American
Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) has a standard test method (ASTM D5644)
for determining the particle size distribution of recycled vulcanized particulate
rubber (a.k.a. tire crumb). ASTM D5603 classifies recycled vulcanized particulate
rubber based on particle size distribution and origin of the rubber.
Q. States and other organizations have conducted studies on tire crumb.
What have they concluded?
Current information from a number of studies does not show an elevated health
risk from playing on fields with tire crumb. However, these studies do not
comprehensively address the concerns about the potential health risks associated
with exposure to tire crumb.
Q. Will the results of the federal research be made public? Will states be
given access to help them make decisions about use?
Analysis of the tire crumb samples collected from fields and recycling facilities,
and the exposure characterization component of the study will continue in 2017.
Parts of the exposure study may be conducted during the hotter months of 2017.
The CPSC playground study also will continue in 2017. The agencies will release
to the public a final peer -reviewed report describing the findings and conclusions
of the studies.
Q. What are the various markets for tire crumb?
In the U.S., markets for tire crumb include new rubber products, playground and
other sports surfacing, and rubber -modified asphalt. The tire crumb used in these
ground rubber applications consumed 1,020,000 tons of scrap tires in 2015, or
about 26% of the volume of scrap tires generated. Sports surfaces accounted for
25% of tire crumb use.
Ground Rubb
Markets
Molded/Extruded Rubber
Products (e.g. rubber
gaskets)
35%
Playground Mulch
22%
Sports Surfaces
25%
Asphalt
15%
Automotive
2%
Export
1 %
Source: Rubber Manufacturers Association: 2015 U.S. Scrap Tire Management
Summary.
LAST UPDATED ON DECEMBER 30, 2016
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) aka
California Environmental Protection Agency
Environmental Health Study of Synthetic Turf -
August 2016 Update
The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) is conducting a
study of the potential health effects associated with the chemicals released from synthetic turf
and playground mats containing recycled waste tires. The California Department of
Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), which regulates the use of waste tires in
California, has contracted with OEHHA to perform the study.
What's New?
OEHHA has amended the contract with CalRecycle based upon input from the Synthetic Turf
Scientific Advisory Panel and input from the public. The scope of the synthetic turf field
investigation has been expanded to include: methods to extract as many chemicals as
possible from crumb rubber samples for identification, the use of more suitable artificial bio-
fluids (such as fluids that mimic human sweat) to evaluate the chemicals that enter the body,
and measurements of crumb rubber particle size to understand if inhalation of small particles
occurs. To accommodate the additional analyses, OEHHA has extended the project
completion date to mid-2019.
What is OEHHA studying?
The study is assessing the potential health impacts associated with playing on synthetic turf
fields and playground mats. It is examining athletic fields and playground mats made from
crumb rubber derived from recycled waste tires. Major parts of the study include:
Identifying and measuring chemicals released from crumb rubber and artificial grass
blades in indoor and outdoor fields and playground mats throughout California.
o Synthetic turf fields of various ages and subjected to various weather conditions
will be studied.
o Air above synthetic turf fields and playgrounds will be monitored for particulate
matter and specific chemicals that can be inhaled.
o The size distribution of the collected particulate matter will be characterized.
Evaluating exposures to chemicals released from crumb rubber and synthetic grass
blades through inhalation, swallowing, and skin contact. This includes consideration of:
o The extent to which individuals (for example athletes and bystanders) are
exposed, based on their activity patterns and how often and long they stay on
the field.
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)
California Environmental Protection Agency
t&�
o How exposure to the chemicals varies by age groups of athletes and bystanders.
o Movement of chemicals from turf into body fluids.
Evaluating the hazards and toxicological activities of chemicals released from turf. This
includes examining the ways that sensitive populations, such as children, may be more
vulnerable to chemicals released from synthetic turf fields.
Developing a study protocol for measuring chemicals from synthetic turf in urine or
other bodily fluids of athletes, or using personal monitors worn by athletes. (The current
study plan calls for developing a study plan but not undertaking these measurements.
These studies could take place after completion of the current study.)
Conducting an assessment of potential health impacts associated with exposures to
chemicals released from synthetic turf and playground mats, taking into account the,
findings of the above activities.
What information will the study provide?
The study is scheduled for completion in mid-2019 with the release of a report on the field
monitoring results, exposure characterization, and health risk assessment. Prior to
completion, OEHHA will release a draft report describing the preliminary data and results of
the study in mid-2018.
The information generated in the study will enable OEHHA to determine the types and
concentrations of chemicals individuals are exposed to when playing on synthetic turf and
playground mats, estimate the level of exposures associated with various activities, and
assess whether these exposures pose potential health risks. CalRecycle will use this
information in making future decisions regarding the use of crumb rubber in synthetic turf and
playground mats.
How is OEHHA obtaining input on the study?
OEHHA began the study by conducting an interactive webinar and public meetings in Los
Angeles, San Diego, and Berkeley to seek input from athletes, coaches, parents and other
interested individuals. OEHHA also convened a panel of scientific experts in exposure and
biomedical sciences to provide input and advice on the study. The first meeting of the panel
was held in February 2016, and there will be additional panel meetings throughout the study.
All meetings of the panel will be held in public, with opportunities for the public to comment.
Has OEHHA studied synthetic turf in the past?
OEHHA conducted two studies on the potential human health effects associated with use of
recycled waste tires in playground and synthetic turf products in 2007 and 2010. These
studies evaluated key aspects of synthetic turf fields, including inhalation of chemicals,
4
Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA)
California Environmental Protection Agency
bacterial infections, and skin abrasions. OEHHA's current effort will fill in data gaps and
address the potential risks from chemical exposures resulting from skin contact with, breathing
or ingesting crumb rubber from synthetic turf fields. The California Integrated Waste
Management Board, which has since been reorganized as CalRecycle, also contracted with
OEHHA to perform the previous two studies:
Evaluation of Health Effects of Recycled Waste Tires in Playground and Track
Products, January 2007
Safety Study of Artificial Turf Containing Crumb Rubber Infill Made From Recycled
Tires: Measurements of Chemicals and Particulates in the Air, Bacteria in the Turf, and
Skin Abrasions Caused by Contact with the Surface, October 2010
These studies can be found at: http:lloehha.ca.gov/risk-assessment/synthetic-turf-studies.
First Published on: October 20, 2015
Updated on: August 30, 2016
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