European Chemical Agency's Perspective: An Evaluation of the Possible Health Risks of Recycle Rubber Granules Used as Infill in Synthetic Turf Fields

摘要

Concerns have been raised in the European Union (EU) whether substances in infill material in synthetic turf fields are causing health risks to players of football (soccer) and other sports. It is estimated that by 2020 there will be 21 000 full size pitches and 72 000 so-called mini-pitches installed in the EU. Most of the infill material used on synthetic turfs is from recycled tyres. ECHA assessed risks of certain prioritised substances to children, professional players, and workers installing or maintaining the fields. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) conducted a preliminary evaluation and published its report in February 2017. ECHA did not find a reason to advise people against playing sports on synthetic turfs containing recycled rubber granules as infill material. Exposure to substances assessed caused a very low level of concern, specifically with regard to excess lifetime cancer risk. However, ECHA listed several uncertainties, including the representativeness of the analysed samples and whether other substances were of concern. ECHA made recommendations to take into account the remaining uncertainties, such as the potential need for a restriction to ensure all players on relevant fields have a very low level of concern. This recommendation and their own study led the Netherlands to begin the preparation of a REACH restriction proposal to limit the concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in infill material. The proposal will be evaluated by ECHA's scientific committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and for Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC) as to whether the proposed restriction would suitably reduce the identified risks and whether the benefits of doing so would outweigh the costs. Based on the opinions, the European Commission, after consulting with the Member States, will then adopt the restriction. Furthermore, the European Commission requested ECHA to also look into the other substances contained in the rubber granules that may be a risk to health.