The Tri-town Track and Field Project’s recent decision to adopt an alternative infill, made of recycled athletic sneakers, for the new field renovation at Freeport High School (“After 15 years, Freeport track and field project could get approval,” May 16), appears to rest on the incorrect assumption that there is substantial uncertainty regarding chemical exposures from recycled rubber. I want to offer a scientific perspective to clear up some misconceptions.

Recycled rubber is the most commonly used infill – the shock-absorbing layer – in artificial turf fields, and recent reports perpetuated by media have suggested it poses significant health risks for youth athletes.

However, there are over 90 peer-reviewed studies, reports and evaluations om this subject from academics, state health departments and third parties, and no such fears have ever been substantiated by valid scientific research.

So while the Environmental Protection Agency (and two other federal agencies) perform additional research on recycled rubber, many local and state governments have already weighed in. One of them, the Connecticut Department of Public Health, in 2015 found “no scientific support for a finding of elevated cancer risk from inhalation or ingestion of chemicals derived from recycled tires used on artificial turf fields.”

In short, the article’s reference to “possible bad health effects” associated with recycled rubber infill lacks a scientific basis.

Children’s safety should be placed above all else, so we should always be prudent. But when making decisions, unsubstantiated fears shouldn’t undermine science. The best available science indicates recycled rubber does not pose health concerns.

Michael Peterson

board-certified toxicologist, Gradient Corp., and scientific adviser, Recycled Rubber Council

Seattle

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