ECHA evaluating whether recycled rubber filling on artificial sports grounds poses a health risk

ECHA evaluating whether recycled rubber filling on artificial sports grounds poses a health risk

ECHA/NI/16/26

The European Commission has requested ECHA to carry out a preliminary evaluation on whether the presence of certain substances in the recycled rubber granules used as infill on artificial turf sports grounds could pose a health risk.

Helsinki, 8 June 2016 – In its preliminary evaluation, ECHA will aim to:

• identify any hazardous substances in the recycled rubber filling that may pose a health risk (such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which are already extensively restricted by EU legislation).
• assess the risk resulting from skin, oral and inhalation exposure to these substances in recycled rubber filling used on both open air and indoor sports grounds.

The results of ECHA's preliminary evaluation are expected by January 2017 – to be published in February 2017. Based on this, ECHA will discuss the possible next steps with the Commission.

ECHA is collaborating with the Unites States authorities and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).

The Commission has also asked ECHA to carry out a survey of bisphenol S in thermal paper and to review the exemptions to the existing restriction for cadmium and its compounds.