Built to Play: Why Crumb Rubber Is a Win for Playground Turf

At SprintPlay, we’re all about creating playgrounds that spark joy, boost imagination, and encourage full-on, energetic fun. And thanks to a brand-new, science-backed study, there’s even more reason to feel great about what’s underfoot.

Let's talk crumb rubber—the durable, bouncy material often used beneath synthetic turf systems, including those designed for playgrounds. It's the stuff that helps cushion landings, soften tumbles, and support years of active play. But beyond its performance benefits, some have suggested safety concerns. And, as a result, several studies have been conducted to learn more about its health impacts.

The Big News? Multiple Studies Confirm Crumb Rubber Safety

The evidence supporting crumb rubber safety continues to grow stronger. A comprehensive multi-year federal study—conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)—took a close look at crumb rubber infill used in turf systems across the country.

Scientists tested hundreds of samples for more than 300 substances and reviewed how these materials interact with people during everyday use. Their conclusion: there's no cause for concern when it comes to health impacts.

Now, a brand-new study from the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) and the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has reinforced these findings. Published in March 2025, this latest research examined potential health risks for athletes, referees, coaches, and spectators who use synthetic turf fields with crumb rubber infill.

That means families, facility managers, and community planners can continue choosing crumb rubber turf systems with full confidence. Check out the article here.

What Makes This California Study So Significant?

The California study is particularly noteworthy because it comes from CalOEHHA, whose mission is specifically to protect and enhance the health of Californians through rigorous scientific evaluation. When an organization with this mandate gives synthetic turf with crumb rubber infill a clean bill of health, it carries significant weight.

The research team examined long-term exposure scenarios and found:

• No significant non-cancer health hazards from chemical exposure during regular use
• No sensory irritation concerns (meaning no irritation to eyes or airways)
• Insignificant cancer risks for all user groups, including athletes, coaches, and referees

As Scott Gerber, spokesman for the Recycled Rubber Coalition, noted: "The California study adds to the definitive body of evidence that crumb rubber infill is safe to use in our communities. These findings should give our leaders confidence that products using recycled rubber play a vital role in keeping communities active, healthy, and safe."

What This Means for Your Next Playground Project

With multiple independent studies now confirming the safety of crumb rubber infill, facility managers and community leaders can make decisions based on performance characteristics and budget considerations rather than unsubstantiated health concerns.

Whether you're planning a new playground installation or considering an upgrade to existing facilities, synthetic turf with crumb rubber infill offers a proven combination of safety, durability, and performance that supports years of active, imaginative play.

At SprintPlay, we're committed to staying current with the latest research and incorporating the safest, most effective materials into our playground designs. These recent studies reinforce our confidence in crumb rubber as a smart choice for communities that want to provide exceptional play experiences without compromising on safety.

That means families, facility managers, and community planners can continue choosing crumb rubber turf systems with full confidence—backed by the most comprehensive safety research to date.

Want to learn more about incorporating safe, durable synthetic turf solutions into your playground design? Contact the SprintPlay team to discuss how crumb rubber infill can enhance your next project.