There is much speculation regarding potential adverse effects of rubber granules in synthetic turf. Let’s discuss this in depth and debunk the existing misconception. As we all know, there is a lot of increase in demand for synthetic turf. No matter whether it is for sports or any kind of recreational activities. However, as a coin has two sides, there are debates prevailing that these rubber granules or crumb cause serious health hazards. But some claim it’s good for your health. Let’s debunk the concern about how this statement is backed with scientific and health researches and how many percent this is a myth.
The artificial turf is made of infills that can be synthetic and natural. The elements include TPE (Thermostatic Elastomer), Silica Sand, Rubber Granules, Zeofill, and Hydro-Chill. Among these rubber granules are common due to durability, economy and budget-friendliness, but they are poor in odour tracking and heat absorption. Sports or activities like football, cricket, or rugby require turf that has polyethylene fibers for stability and rubber granules that are very useful in resisting shock absorption, elasticity, and sliding ability. The turf elements play a crucial role in the final output, including overall performance, player safety, and comfort.
Nature: Rubber granules are often created from recycled tires. These tires are broken into tiny bits and pieces; these granules provide cushioning and pressure threshold, enabling smooth sliding. However, Synthetic turf contains harmful elements like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) because they are derived from worn tires.
Contains Toxic or Harmful Substances: Rubber granules contain harmful substances like arsenic, benzene, and nickel. Arsenic content is less than that of the carbohydrates contained in rice and tapioca. There are fewer nickel elements than in chocolates and confectionaries and benzene levels are lower compared to soda. There have been concerns about the emission of mercury vapours.
The products from Surekha Exports have shown that the detected levels were well below harmful thresholds.
Odour Disability: A common misconception about rubber granules is that they emit a strong unpleasant odour similar to that of tires, creating discomfort in breathing and suffocation. When the turf is installed in the new room, it will smell, but it depends on factors like whether it is indoors or outdoors, the size of the plot, ventilation access, etc. Over time, the odour diminishes, making it a temporary concern rather than a long term issue.
Effects on the Aesthetics: it is another common myth that rubber granules are not an eco-friendly method and are expensive, reducing the final outlook and appeal. But, in reality, it brings various blends, offering a variety of designs in flooring that overall aesthetics.
Preconceived Notions: We are living in an era where everyone frequently posts many videos of their day-to-day activities, many DIY activities leading to the belief that many tasks can be done independently. One such myth is that turf installation. Many individuals have a concern that turf installation is a DIY Activity. But the fact is that it should be installed with perfect estimation about the plot and shall be done by a professional.
Health and Harmful Concerns: Sometimes, we would find articles stating that rubber granules cause cancer issues. It has adverse effects on players and athletes. It creates a concern as children are also exposed to this artificial turf, creating more alertness. The fact is that it has no connection with the exposure to rubber granules and increased cancer rates.
There are claims in some articles that rubber granules cause cancer and it is a health risk to athletes and players. This is alarming for children who are exposed to synthetic turf. Surekha Exports ensures safe products, ensuring better stability with a scientific approach to building each structure. From many studies, it is concluded that the exposure of rubber turf is less than that of the natural turf. The exposure to rubber granules has no direct connection with the increasing cancer rates.
We discussed the preconceived myths about the rubber granules in synthetic turf. With nearly 20 years of experience, Surekha Exports is one of the leading sports infrastructure developers. We use the best methods for artificial turf construction with artificial grass imported from premium turf grass manufacturers.
With a hundred plus projects across the country, we focus on a different range of products, including football turf, swimming pool, Badminton Court, Cricket pitch and Net, and Landscape Grass. Badminton court construction cost varies based on factors like the size of the court, flooring type, lighting, location, and the material used. If you want to hire a team of professionals with technical excellence to bring better durability to synthetic turf field, feel free to approach Surekha Exports.
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