Artificial Grass And Crumb Rubber Infill Hazards – The Facts

To expedite your journey into the exploration of artificial grass for your project, we offer the following list of available reports and studies that show, with no degree of uncertainty, that artificial grass solutions are a fantastic alternative to many other landscape options; including natural grass, in many cases, especially when maintained under generally-approved standards of pesticide and weed control.

The reports include studies based upon real-world project sites to standard tests conducted in staged settings. Universities across the world, along with environmental departments of US, Canadian and European countries have participated in health and impact studies, diligently reviewing the most commonly asked "questions of possible health or environmental impact with the use of artificial grass" from many points of view . When reviewed objectively, the reports and studies conclude, unanimously, "no trouble found".

Recent reports echo studies completed, years before, stating that when properly installed, using quality products and standard industry installation guidelines, artificial grass solutions are durable, safe and sound investments as sports fields, landscape and leisure sports amenities; in both commercial and residential markets. Branded system solutions are tried and tested and with the growing adoption of industry installation standards and guidelines, across the global market, customers can be assured of a consistent product offering, where-ever they are located.

A steady global growth of 20% for the past 5 years, attests to the market's strength and the industry's ability to perform to the call to action by a buying public.

Reports and studies include these recently published materials:

• Penn State Studie s Evaluation of Playing Surface Characteristics of Various In-Filled Systems
• ADEME (French Offc – Environment and Energy Mgmt) Field Test Study of Water and Air Quality Using Infilled Artificial Turf Fields (9-2007)
• FIFA – Fédération Internationale de Football Association: "Potential Cancer Risk From Certain Granulate Infills From Artificial Turf" – (July 2006)
• NJDEP – New Jersey Dept of Environmental Protection : "Preliminary Assessment of the Toxicity from Exposure to Crumb Rubber: its use in Playgrounds and Artificial Turf Playing Fields" – (June 2007)
• CAES – Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station: Preliminary Report – (August 2007)

In conclusion, the artificial grass market is over 40 years old; the last twenty years has seen a slow and thoughtful approach to product development and system engineering. Artificial grass system solutions are custom-built to suit the client's needs and are adaptable to any site conditions; many popular uses are in environmentally sensitive areas where the custodians need to carefully manage water resources, environmental impact and the long-term affects of hazardous and toxic materials.

Quality products, engineering specifications and construction partners are essential assets that can assure your artificial grass installation's success. As an educated buyer, you can make better purchasing decisions for yourself and for your community.