Oral Presentations
Location
Hopwood Auditorium
Access Type
Event
Event Website
http://www.lynchburg.edu/academics/red-letter-day/student-scholar-showcase/
Entry Number
149
Start Date
4-6-2016 1:45 PM
End Date
4-6-2016 2:00 PM
Abstract
The popularity and use of artificial turf has grown tremendously in our nation in the past decade. It is found in yards, playgrounds, landscapes at large corporations, and most commonly on playing fields at professional, collegiate, and high school levels. Artificial turf exhibits the appearance and texture of natural grass, but does not require the routine maintenance and added chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides to maintain its’ appearance. The physical structure is comprised of crumb rubber materials (CRM), which is essentially small “rubber pellets”. This rubber infill is the direct byproduct of millions of shredded car tires. Although we have been led by the industry to believe that artificial turf and CRM is a safe product, there are documented concerns of potential health risks associated with long-term exposure. The rubber granulates that people come in contact with contain polyaromatic hydrocarbons, phthalates, and other volatile organic compounds that release dangerous toxicants when burned. Currently, there are studies analyzing the direct links from crumb rubber material and health concerns from exposure; however, more research is needed. This presentation explores the current research and will discuss both the benefits and potential health effects associated with artificial turf made with CRM.
Faculty Mentor(s)
Dr. Jennifer L. Hall
Health Effects of Long-Term Exposure to Crumb Rubber Material Infill in Artificial Turf Fields
Hopwood Auditorium
The popularity and use of artificial turf has grown tremendously in our nation in the past decade. It is found in yards, playgrounds, landscapes at large corporations, and most commonly on playing fields at professional, collegiate, and high school levels. Artificial turf exhibits the appearance and texture of natural grass, but does not require the routine maintenance and added chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides to maintain its’ appearance. The physical structure is comprised of crumb rubber materials (CRM), which is essentially small “rubber pellets”. This rubber infill is the direct byproduct of millions of shredded car tires. Although we have been led by the industry to believe that artificial turf and CRM is a safe product, there are documented concerns of potential health risks associated with long-term exposure. The rubber granulates that people come in contact with contain polyaromatic hydrocarbons, phthalates, and other volatile organic compounds that release dangerous toxicants when burned. Currently, there are studies analyzing the direct links from crumb rubber material and health concerns from exposure; however, more research is needed. This presentation explores the current research and will discuss both the benefits and potential health effects associated with artificial turf made with CRM.
https://digitalshowcase.lynchburg.edu/studentshowcase/2016/Presentations/2