The Tire Industry Association (TIA) is welcoming the results of a landmark study released by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) that found recycled tire crumb rubber used in synthetic turf fields is not likely to harm athletes, coaches, referees, spectators, or other users.

According to the study, there is no evidence of significant risk for cancer or other health problems from crumb rubber infill based on the available data, including for young athletes. The findings reinforce conclusions from years of scientific research that have consistently determined crumb rubber infill poses no significant health risk.

“This is great news and reinforces what the industry has demonstrated for years,” said Dick Gust, CEO of the Tire Industry Association. “We hope this comprehensive California study helps put lingering concerns to rest and allows more communities to benefit from this safe, sustainable use of recycled tires.”

Synthetic turf fields are designed to replicate the performance of natural grass while requiring less maintenance and water and providing consistent playability without the rest periods required for natural grass fields. As a result, their use has expanded significantly, with widespread adoption across California and the United States.

Many synthetic turf systems use crumb rubber infill—small granules produced from recycled tires—placed between synthetic grass blades. This infill helps keep the blades upright, improves traction, and provides cushioning for athletes during play. The use of crumb rubber in these applications also represents an important end-use market for recycled tires, supporting responsible tire recycling and reducing landfill waste.

To evaluate safety, OEHHA tested 35 synthetic turf fields across California, including both new and older installations from various climate regions. The study examined more than 100 chemicals that could potentially pose health risks and evaluated how athletes might be exposed to crumb rubber through skin contact, inhalation, or incidental ingestion. Researchers also analyzed playing behavior from more than 1,000 soccer players ranging in age from 7 to 71 and included exposure scenarios for toddlers who might crawl on the turf.

Researchers concluded there was no acute health risk to athletes, referees, coaches, spectators, or young children.

While the study focused on health risk, TIA notes that crumb rubber applications in synthetic turf support responsible waste tire management and contribute to a circular economy by keeping end-of-life tires out of landfills.

TIA supports the development of sustainable, responsible end-use markets for recycled tires, including crumb rubber applications such as synthetic turf. The association encourages policymakers, communities, and athletic organizations to review the findings and the growing body of research supporting the safe use of crumb rubber in these systems.

The full OEHHA study is available through the California Environmental Protection Agency here.

Tagged: Athlete Safety

TIA Supports California Study Findings on the Safety of Crumb Rubber in Synthetic Turf