The black pellets in artificial turf are made of recycled rubber, called crumb rubber.
Crumb rubber is made from grinding up old tires. It is then added to artificial turf infill to provide cushioning, support, and drainage.
Crumb rubber is a controversial material, with some studies suggesting that it may be harmful to human health. However, other studies have found no evidence of harm. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has stated that there is not enough evidence to conclude that crumb rubber is a human health hazard.
Despite the controversy, crumb rubber is still the most common infill material used in artificial turf.
Here are some of the benefits of using crumb rubber in artificial turf:
- It is durable and can withstand heavy traffic.
- It provides good drainage and prevents puddles from forming on the surface.
- It is relatively inexpensive.
- It is environmentally friendly, as it reduces the amount of waste tires that go to landfills.
Here are some of the potential drawbacks of using crumb rubber in artificial turf:
- It may be harmful to human health, especially if it is inhaled or ingested.
- It can become hot in the sun and can cause burns.
- It can be abrasive and can cause skin irritation.
- It can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can contribute to air pollution.
If you are concerned about the potential risks of crumb rubber, there are other infill materials available, such as sand and recycled cork. However, these materials may be more expensive than crumb rubber and may not perform as well.
