I discovered recently that those little bits of black rubber used to keep the fake grass upright on 3G football pitches is made from recycled tyres. (Which in theory sounds good as they are difficult to dispose of).
There are, however, increasing concerns that these tyres give off carcinogenic materials. This might particularly affect goalies, who spend more time in close contact with the material but is of concern to anyone, especially young people, who train many hours a week on the material.
Official line is that it's okay, but more recent research from Stirling University suggests there is insufficient testing/evidence of the materials used. In Holland, some of the rubber came from the petrochemical industry and due to concerns, was removed and I understand alternatives found. Meanwhile in the UK, more and more of these pitches are being installed with the official line of "everything is fine". Even the studies themselves only test for certain substances - it's not known what other substances are given off.
It strikes me that if it illegal to bury tyres at landfill due to concerns about toxins, why on earth is it okay for our children to be able to play on it? Who thought this was a good idea? The industry that decided to make some money from recycling hazardous waste?!
I'm not trying to be alarmist here but am horrified at the lack of testing and foresight in this. It sounds like asbestos all over again.