Are crumb rubber crumbs harmful to humans?

From the studies in literature, it was proved that these chemicals may also be released from the crumb rubber, namely: (i) volatilizing into the air and (ii) leaching into water in contact with the crumbs, posing an added risk of chemical exposure for humans and the environment. The key findings are summarized below:

Does synthetic turf contain crumb rubber infill?

Air Quality Survey of Synthetic Turf Fields Containing Crumb Rubber Infill 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

What chemicals are in crumb rubber?

This review provided crucial and comprehensive information about the levels of potentially harmful chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) metals, plasticizers and other additives and antioxidants commonly present in crumb rubber (from ELTs) acting as infill of synthetic football pitches.

Is crumb rubber harmful to earthworms?

PAHs, which are harmful substances found in crumb rubber, may significantly alter the immune and metabolic functions of earthworms through structural damage and genetic toxicity (Sforzini et al., 2015). Exposure to crumb rubber filled with artificial turf increases mortality and impairs vertebrate growth.

What chemicals affect EPDM rubber seals?

Hydrochloric, hydrofluoric, and sulfuric acid also attack and negatively impact Buna-N rubber. Lastly, benzoic acid negatively impacts EPDM rubber seals. Alkali: The combination of alkalis and rubber is harmful to rubber. This is because alkalis have a pH greater than 7 (the opposite of acids).

Is tire crumb rubber toxic?

Almost 20 years ago, Birkholz et al. (2003), observed some toxicity of tire crumb rubber to all aquatic organisms (bacteria, fish, invertebrates and green algae), which was reduced with the aging of the tire crumb after three months.