Granules used in Playgrounds & Sport Pitches under review again

Dec 03, 2018

A proposal by the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and Environment (RIVM) has caused the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to review again the granules and mulches used on sports pitches and playgrounds. 

Previous research conducted by the ECHA concluded that the risk posed by the recycled rubber granules used on sports pitches and playgrounds was very low. However they did recommend that changes to the REACH Regulation be considered, and made several suggestions for facility operators and granule producers. 

A study conducted by the RIVN also reported that playing on these surfaces is safe, but it did reiterate the ECHA's concerns. It also recommends limiting the permitted concentrations of eight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that are known to cause cancer in humans, and that are often used in granules and mulches in synthetic turf pitches, at sports facilities and in playgrounds. 

The ECHA has stated it plans to continue to review the health impacts of substances contained in the granules and mulches, and intends to launch a public consultation.