WASHINGTON, DC - Bipartisan leaders of the House Energy and Commerce Committee today sent a letter to the U.S. EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy asking about the safety of recycled rubber tire “crumbs" used in synthetic turf fields in the United States. In light of recent NBC News headlines - “How Safe is the Artificial Turf Field Your Child Plays On? " And “Mom of Goalie Who Died of Cancer Wants Answers on Artificial Turf " - members are concerned about the effects these tiny crumbs of recycled rubber tire might have on humans.
The bipartisan leaders write, “These stories and others raise questions among athletes and parents that crumb rubber on artificial turf athletic fields may present a pathway to exposure to one or more carcinogens." The leaders ask EPA a number of questions to determine the level of analysis that has been conducted in addition to the potential risk to the nation’s youth. The committee remains committed to protecting the public health and ensuring that chemical substances are safe.
The letter was signed by:
* Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) and Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ); and
* Environment and the Economy Subcommittee Chairman John Shimkus (R-IL) and Ranking Member Paul Tonko (D-NY).
