Following recent news coverage on NBC News, ISRI sent a letter to EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy asking her to respond to the concerned parents and the public, at large, highlighting the extensive research, including EPA’s own studies, which establishes no connection between synthetic fields containing crumb rubber from recycled tires and public health hazards, including cancer.
This news coverage, and EPA’s subsequent silence on the issue, has gotten the attention of Capitol Hill. Last week the House Energy & Commerce Committee also sent
a letter to the EPA Administrator requesting answers to a series of questions to allay the public’s concerns by November 6. Prior to the issuance of this letter, ReMA responded to lawmakers’ requests and provided information on the more than 75 independent peer-reviewed studies that EPA, state government agencies, and numerous leading universities have conducted on the exposure and risks associated with recycled rubber in athletic fields. This preponderance of evidence reveals that the risks from exposure to the recycled rubber in these fields is minimal and there is little correlation between this material and cancer-related ailments.
ISRI joins with the families of athletes who play on this material for EPA to quickly respond to Congress’ questions and reassure the public that this thoroughly researched and tested material poses little risk and is safe for athletes of all ages.
ISRI will be monitoring this issue and will provide you with updates as they arise. For more information, contact Billy Johnson.