Super Eco

Photo credit: Clearly Ambiguous, flickr

Is there anyone here who does not bounce up and down like a hyperactive rabbit whenever they visit a playground or play area surfaced with recycled tires? Try walking across one in a dignified manner while wearing street shoes—don't you feel like an impostor? Go on: boing, boing ... A little extra spring in your step never hurt ...

Cushioned falls and saved tears aside, those shredded, repurposed tires (called "tire crumb" in industry lingo) may be toxic. Despite Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) endorsement for tire crumb in playgrounds and play places, parents and communities have grown suspicious. Are hazardous chemicals leeching into the playground environment, off-gassing into the air and getting onto the hands and feet (and into the mouths) of playing children? It seems the EPA itself is having second thoughts, expressing concern in internal documents over a study it is conducting on air and surface samples at four fields and playgrounds that use recycled tires. EPA scientists have cited gaps in scientific evidence, despite reviews showing little or no health concern, and are urging their superiors to conduct a broader health study.

Under examination: concerns about children touching, swallowing or inhaling toxins including lead, metals, benzene, zinc and breathable particles from tire crumb and synthetic materials used in playgrounds and play places.

Despite the concerns, government officials continue to maintain that tire crumb poses no imminent health threat. In fact, recycled tire crumb was installed underneath the Obama family's brand new playset at the White House. Will we be changing our tune before long? Given the renewed levels of responsible scrutiny at the EPA these days, we're hopeful that a second look at this issue will give parents the answers they need.