SNCP backs French tire-granulate safety report

Vitry-sur-Seine, France – In France, the SNCP (National Union of Rubber and Polymers) has welcomed a report by national environment, food safety and labour agency ANSES into the safety of tire-rubber granulate.

In findings issued 18 Sept, ANSES concluded that tire rubber granulate presented "negligible” risk to health, while suggesting tighter restrictions on the composition and certain uses of these materials.

These conclusions are in-line with the position of SNCP and end-of-life tire (ELT) collection company Aliapur, French rubber industry group SNCP pointed out.

The industry is ‘pleased that ANSES can today provide users with a clear position on the safety of this type of filling, widely used in France,’ said SNCP’s 21 Sept statement.

‘People who love football or rugby can therefore continue to play on these lands as well as communities can continue to equip or keep their artificial turf with rubber granulate,’ it added.

In its report, ANSES backed a Dutch proposal to set up a standard for the restriction of chemicals (PAHs) present in this filling at a level of 17 mg / kg.

SNCP added its support for this proposal: towards enhancing the traceability of materials used in the composition of rubber granules and ensuring good practice in this area.

With regard to surfacing used in children’s playgrounds – also referred to in the ANSES report – SNCP noted that such materials are covered with a coating layer that prevents direct contact with the rubber granulate.

However, for indoor sports-hall applications, SNCP said it would support ongoing moves to establish new standards to improve the air quality in these facilities.

However, ANSES has reportedly also noted potential issues around the possible leaching of PAHs from ELT rubber granulate into the environment.

In its statement, SNCP said many environmental precautions are already in place during the installation and maintenance of these lands.

All sections of the industry support technical and environmental recommendations to enhance current best practices in this area, the industry group added.