Comment


“


PHE is not conducting specific research, but we will continue to monitor the scientific literature, including the work being undertaken by US Government Agencies on crumb rubber, and consider peer- reviewed research as it emerges


as a matter of conscience, as these new sporting hubs will be used primarily by children and young adults; those most at risk if the claims are true.


That the US is way ahead of the UK on this matter is par for the course. What happens across the pond often takes ten years to come into force over here. And that, in this instance, is far too long, in my opinion.


In my original article, I likened the concerns over rubber crumb to those surrounding asbestos way back in the early part of the twentieth century. After years of denial by various governments and ‘authorities’, the product was eventually banned some sixty years later - too late for the countless folk who died slowly from cancer or respiratory problems. I do not wish to see the same mistakes made again.


“ 46 I PC APRIL/MAY 2016


So, how do we, as an industry, move this forward? How do we get Government to initiate proper research? How do we get the sports governing bodies, government agencies and other interested parties to act?


DEFRA cover the regulation and the measures in place to ensure companies meet strict legal safety requirements and clearly demonstrate the chemicals they produce can be used safely


Well, the first port of call had to be those very organisations, so our editor, Kerry Haywood, contacted them for a statement. At the time of writing, only a handful had responded directly, some had put out a general release on the subject and others had made no comment at all.


safety’. They have already banned the disposal of tyres into landfill because, in part, of their toxicity.


Their response was succinct; “Thank you for contacting the Health and Safety Executive with your enquiry regarding rubber crumb surfaces. The Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) are taking the lead for enquiries regarding rubber crumb surfaces made from re-cycled tyres.”


Having passed the buck to the CRD over the mis-selling of PPPs, we wonder what they actually are responsible for?


The Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)


"Our broad remit means we play a major role in people's day-to-day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink".


I am not sure how health concerns over rubber crumb fall within that ‘broad remit’ or, indeed, if DEFRA has the knowledge base required.


HSE (Health & Safety Executive)


As their name implies, this is the government agency charged with all things ‘health and


However, their Chief Communications Officer, Daniel Barnes, offered the following; “I am aware that Public Health England as well as the FA have put out statements on this issue - with PHE looking at the public health concerns. We cover the regulation and the measures in place to ensure companies meet strict legal safety requirements and clearly demonstrate the chemicals they produce can be used safely. Details of the REACH rules are available on the HSE website.”


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