Pallone Questions CPSC on Dangers of Crumb Rubber, Gets Commitment for Federal Efforts

Press Release

Today, at the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade Subcommittee hearing, Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06), Ranking Member of the committee, questioned Elliot Kaye, Chairman of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), on the risks of using recycled rubber tire crumbs in synthetic turf fields. With Chairman Kaye's response, Pallone got clarity that a 2008 statement from CPSC that fields filled with crumb rubber are "OK to install, OK to play on" does not reflect the current views of the Commission, and a commitment to continue their work with federal agencies to review the issue.

There have been concerning reports regarding young athletes who have played on synthetic turf athletic fields containing crumb rubber being diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and other blood cancers. While the compiled lists of cases in the reports are acknowledged not to equate to a scientific study, the potential link is disconcerting and requires further investigation.

"The reports of children who have blood cancers who have also been playing on fields containing crumb rubber shout for the need to ask questions and increased research into this potential link," said Congressman Pallone. "I am glad that in today's hearing I was able to get clarity from the Consumer Product Safety Commission that they too believe more research is necessary and that they are committed to continue working to ensure youth athletes playing on these fields are protected."

Source