March 21, 2025

Ecore Congratulates CA OEHAA Authors on Groundbreaking Study Reaffirming Safety of Recycled Rubber in Synthetic Turf

At Ecore, we are proud to see the results of the recent study conducted by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHAA) on synthetic turf fields with crumb rubber infill. The study’s findings further confirm Ecore's long-standing position that recycled rubber, used in our innovative products, does not pose significant health risks to players, coaches, referees, or spectators.

The study's comprehensive analysis found no significant health risks associated with either on-field or off-field exposure to chemicals in crumb rubber. This conclusion echoes Ecore's commitment to ensuring the safety of our products. More specifically, the research found that:

• No Acute Health Risks: There were no chemical exposures linked to synthetic turf fields that would pose immediate health hazards.
• No Hazardous Levels of Sensory Irritants: The use of these fields does not result in dangerous exposure to irritants like those that could affect the eyes or airways. Most exposure to such irritants comes from external sources, not the turf.
• Minimal Long-Term Risks: For athletes, coaches, and spectators, the study concluded that long-term exposure to chemicals in the crumb rubber infill does not result in significant health hazards. Even in a worst-case scenario, any potential risks were minimal and of low concern, particularly for children under the age of two.
• Negligible Cancer Risk: The study found that cancer risks from crumb rubber infill are negligible, with less than one additional case in a population of one million over a 70-year lifetime for athletes, coaches, and referees. The risk for infant spectators is slightly above this threshold but still within a safe range.

While the study took a precautionary "worst-case" approach, the actual odds of exposure at the highest levels are exceedingly low, reinforcing Ecore’s confidence in the safety of our recycled rubber products.

We want to extend our gratitude to the authors at CA OEHAA for their diligent work in preparing this study, which provides further scientific validation of the safety of crumb rubber in synthetic turf. Their efforts play an important role in ensuring the public's confidence in the safety of our products, and this study reaffirms Ecore's ongoing commitment to the health and safety of the communities that rely on our innovative solutions.

As always, Ecore will continue to monitor research in this field and advocate for the responsible use of sustainable materials in our products.