Toxicological Assessment of Coated versus Uncoated Rubber Granulates Obtained from Used Tires for Use in Sport Facilities

Abstract

Reuse of tire crumb in sport facilities is currently a very cost-effective waste management measure. Considering that incorporation of the waste materials in artificial turf would be facilitated if the rubber materials were already colored green, coatings were specifically developed for this purpose. This paper presents an experimental toxicological and environmental assessment aimed at comparing the obtained emissions to the environment in terms of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), heavy metals, and ecotoxicity for coated and noncoated rubber granulates. This study is a comprehensive evaluation of the major potential critical factors related with the release of all of these classes of pollutants because previous studies were not systematically performed. It was concluded that between the two types of coatings tested, one is particularly effective in reducing emissions to the environment, simultaneously meeting the requirements of adherence and color stability.

Bioaccessibility and Risk of Exposure to Metals and SVOCs in Artificial Turf Field Fill Materials and Fibers

“…Concentrations of the targeted SVOCs, including PAHs, measured in the field samples in this study were lower than levels that have been previously reported for actual fields or artificial turf products . Zhang et al .…”

“…In an effort to reduce costs and increase field use, municipalities across the United States and Europe have been replacing natural grass with artificial turf at parks and athletic fields . However, a number of public health concerns have been raised regarding artificial turf fields, including potential exposure to toxic substances contained in the turf fibers and crumb rubber infill . Crumb rubber, which is manufactured from recycled tires, is used to provide cushioning and extend the life of the field.…”

New approach to the ecotoxicological risk assessment of artificial outdoor sporting grounds

“…Tire debris organic extracts (TDOE) indicated teratogenic effects on Xenopus laevis (Mantecca et al, 2007). Further research showed a lower impact of leachates from coated rubber than uncoated rubber for artificial turf systems on Vibrio fischeri (EC 50 56e68% vs. 34%) (Gomes et al, 2010), a twice or three times higher impact of less concentrated leachates (50 g/L vs. 100 g/L tire debris) on Raphidocelis subcapitata, Daphnia magna, and Xenopus laevis (Gualtieri et al, 2005a). Gualtieri further tested tire debris extracts and the organic compounds therein versus human lung cell lines A549 and found increased cell mortality and DNA damage, probably induced by reactive oxygen species (Gualtieri et al, 2008(Gualtieri et al, , 2005b.…”

Release of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Heavy Metals from Rubber Crumb in Synthetic Turf Fields: Preliminary Hazard Assessment for Athletes

“…Sport grounds fitted with synthetic turf filled with crumb of recycled tyres may release dangerous particles in air, contaminate soil and groundwater with soluble contaminants leached by rain, and pose health hazards for residents and users due to inhalation of volatile substances [10]. Some coats for rubber granulates can effectively reduce emissions in the environment of these contaminants but they are not systematically used [11].…”