Our U.S. president and two U.S. senators came together over the possible health risks of crumb rubber’s artificial turf, used in parks, playgrounds and athletic fields.

On Feb. 12, 2016, President Obama initiated an investigation based on a Jan. 21 request by senators Bill Nelson (D-Florida) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut).  [Crumb rubber turf raises questions, concerns, Viewpoints, Feb. 3].

An action plan to answer questions about synthetic turf was announced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC). The agencies plan to contact athletes, parents and industry and to draft a report by year’s end. An industry group, the Synthetic Turf Council, said it supports the federal plan and hopes it will validate public officials’ due diligence.

Scientists’ tests will identify chemical compounds of crumb rubber types and determine if they are released upon contact. This will enable the agencies to understand potential health effects.

Will it lead to a new era of proving a substance safe before approval for release into the marketplace?

*Reuter’s reported (Feb. 12, 2016): “In their letter to the White House, the senators cited research from a University of Washington soccer coach who found 153 reported cases of cancer involving athletes who spent significant periods of time playing on crumb rubber turf”. 
An action plan to answer questions about synthetic turf was announced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC).  The agencies plan to contact athletes, parents and industry and to draft a report by year’s end. An industry group, The Synthetic Turf Council said it supports the federal plan and hopes it will validate public officials’ due diligence.
 
Thanks again to reporter Stephanie Gosk and her investigative team for keeping us informed (“Feds Finally Take Action on Crumb Rubber Turf,” NBCnews.com). 

Barbara Mullarkey

Spokesperson, Oak Park Environmental Network (OPEN)

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