Recently, the US Council of State Governments (CSG) approved a resolution calling for scientific evidence to be paramount when assessing recycled rubber play surfaces.
Sen Jeremy Miller Looking for Answers into Rubber Play Surfaces
The resolution was presented to the CSG Energy & Environment Committee by Minnesota State Sen. Jeremy Miller in the context of recent debate surrounding the use of recycled rubber, especially given unsubstantiated reports regarding health concerns, ISRI notes.
The resolution, “Resolution on Utilising Science-Based Evidence Related to the issue of Installation of Artificial Turf Athletic Fields Made of Recycled Rubber Infill,” calls for science to take precedence over conjecture in assessing recycled rubber and for the timely completion of the federal multiagency study that is currently underway.
“ISRI strongly supports and applauds the passage of this resolution, which will undoubtedly raise awareness among state legislators around the unsubstantiated nature of current claims made in the debate over recycled rubber,” says ISRI President Robin Wiener. “There are currently more than 90 peer-reviewed scientific studies demonstrating there is no increased health risk to athletes playing on artificial turf containing recycled rubber, without credible evidence to the contrary, and it is critical that this reality be made widely known to policymakers.”
Miller says, “As a parent and a legislator, creating a safe environment for our children to play in is a top priority. Recycling tyres cleans up and preserves the environment for current and future generations. As we encourage children to take part in healthy activities and exercise more, the material from these recycled tyres is a source for safe, accessible turf. Credible science has demonstrated this time and time again. It is imperative that fellow state and local lawmakers carefully review the facts when making any key decisions regarding our children and jumping to conclusions not supported by science.”
