Rubber granulate from end-of-life tires is used in various applications where it is exposed to the public. Best known is infill in synthetic turf pitches. In recent years, there has been quite an extensive media coverage of rubber infill – especially with focus on Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their potential carcinogenic effects.

Numerous scientific studies have addressed this issue; and globally, more than 70 studies based on experimental data have been carried through, concluding that there is no significant or scientifically justified risk associated with the use of rubber granulate made from end-of-life tires.

In 2015, honoring the ”precautionary principle” of the EU Treaty, stating that any suspected risk raised must be investigated, the European Commission initiated yet another study. This study was to be prepared by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), which is the body responsible for the regulation of chemicals and the safe use of these within the EU.

ECHA published its evaluation in February 2017, finding no reason to advise people against playing sports on synthetic turf containing recycled rubber granules as infill. ECHA concludes that “there is, at most, a very low level of concern from exposure to recycled rubber granules”. Follow the link below to download the ECHA report in full.