Nonmetallics

No Penalty for Tires on the Field of Play

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released results of a 2008 limited field monitoring study of artificial-turf playing fields and playgrounds constructed with the use of recycled tire material, or tire crumb, that “do not point to a concern,” according to the agency.

“The limited data EPA collected during this study, which do not point to a concern, represent an important addition to the information gathered by various government agencies,” says Peter Grevatt, director of EPA’s Office of Children’s Health Protection. “The study will help set the stage for a meeting this spring, where the EPA will bring together officials from states and federal agencies to evaluate the existing body of science on this topic and determine what additional steps should be taken to ensure the safety of kids who play on these surfaces.”

The study was intended to gain experience conducting field monitoring of recreational surfaces that contain tire crumb. The EPA will use the information to help determine possible next steps to address questions regarding the safety of tire crumb infill in recreational fields. The study was done in response to public concerns about the use of tire crumb materials in turf fields and playgrounds after high levels of lead were detected on some artificial turf fields in New Jersey.

Tire crumb has been used increasingly as a component in synthetic turf fields and playground installations. Responding to questions from the public, the agency conducted a limited “scoping study” of tire crumb, which consisted of collecting air and wipe samples at three locations near EPA laboratories at Raleigh, N.C.; Athens, Ga.; and Cincinnati. The agency adds that sampling also was conducted in the Washington, D.C., area.

The study, conducted in the summer and early fall of 2008, found that the concentrations of any materials deemed hazardous that made up tire crumb were below levels considered harmful. However, given the limited nature of the study (limited number of constituents monitored, sample sites and samples taken at each site) and the wide diversity of tire crumb material, it is not possible, without additional data, to extend the results beyond the four study sites to reach more comprehensive conclusions, the agency says.

Among the study’s findings:

• Particulate matter, metals and volatile organic compound concentrations were measured in the air samples and compared with areas away from the turf fields (background levels). The levels found in-air samples from the artificial turf were similar to background levels.

• No tire-related fibers were observed in the air samples.

• All air concentrations of particulate matter and lead were well below levels of concern.

• More than 90 percent of the lead in the tire crumb material was tightly bound and unavailable for absorption by users of the turf fields.

• Zinc, which is a known additive in tires, was found in tire crumb samples. However, air and surface wipe monitoring levels of zinc were found to be below levels of concern.

More information is available at www.epa.gov/nerl/features/tire_crumbs.html.

Elof Hansson Acquires Viking Fibres

Elof Hansson, a Sweden-based forest products trading organization with a wholly owned subsidiary known as Elof Hansson Inc. based in Elmsford, N.Y., has announced the acquisition of recovered fiber broker Viking Fibres.

The operations of Viking, a paper brokering and recycling operation based in Bensalem, Pa., have been merged effective immediately into the Fiber Division of Elof Hansson Inc., according to a news release from Elof Hansson.

“This acquisition follows more than six years of a fluid and fruitful working relationship with Viking Fibres and it will significantly advance the strategic direction which our company has chosen to follow,” says Edwin Perné, president of Elof Hansson Inc.

“Our primary objective is to strengthen our fiber supply base in order to support our growing demand for recycled fiber,” Perné adds. “In this respect we have also established an office in the Netherlands, earlier [in 2009], in order to strengthen our procurement from Europe and sales into Europe. Overall we are forecasting to double the total traded tonnage of the division over the next 24 months.”

“We’ve collaborated well with the Elof Hansson Fiber Group for many years,” says Michael Fireman, president of Viking Fibres. “We share an approach marked by traditional business values, hard work and the spirit of partnership.”

RTP Co. Makes Recycled Content Compounds Available in Specialty Grades

RTP Co., Winona, Minn., a compounder of custom engineered thermoplastics, has introduced a series of specialty compounds using post-consumer content (PCC) resins.

“Our PCC compounds have distinct environmental advantages over non-recycled materials and are an ideal solution for those needing to source greener products,” says David Dodds, technical marketing manager for RTP.

The reclaimed material in the polymer component of PCC compounds can range from 1 to 100 percent, depending on the application’s requirements.