December 1st, 2009
There has been recent press coverage raising concern over public health effects from exposure to crumb rubber particles composed of recycled automobile tires, a material used as infill in some synthetic turf surfaces. Concerns have been expressed that exposure to elements and compounds contained in recycled tire rubber by inhalation, ingestion or skin contact may be harmful to the health of athletes playing on synthetic turf surfaces which use these materials as infill. Concerns have also been expressed regarding potential for surface water runoff from these surfaces to negatively impact groundwater quality. There do not appear to be concerns regarding the polyethylene fibers used in current generation synthetic turf products; it should be noted that the recent highly-publicized closure of fields in New Jersey involved older field surfaces utilizing fiber materials and coatings that manufacturers state are no longer in widespread use.
Scientific studies have been released over the past year that reach opposite conclusions on the issue of the potential health risks associated with use of such surfaces. Some studies, including a study produced by the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment of the California Environmental Protection Agency in 2007, have concluded that there is little or no health risk associated with the use of recycled tire rubber as infill in these surfaces; others have concluded that there is material health risk associated with such use. To the knowledge of the American Sports Builders Association, no scientific study has documented injury to health or the environment attributable to use of recycled tire rubber as infill in synthetic turf surfaces.
The American Sports Builders Association’s primary focus in this area relates to the construction of synthetic turf fields. It has not commissioned a scientific study to address the potential health issues presented by use of recycled tire infill, or any other materials used in synthetic turf fields, and does not anticipate doing so. It is not able to make a definitive statement on this issue, and suggests that consumers of these products look to the manufacturers and suppliers of synthetic turf surfaces and infill materials to provide further useful information.
Tags: American Sports Builders Association, synthetic turf fields
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September 30th, 2009
The Mustangs of Manor High School first home football game was a highly anticipated one. Fans were awestruck by the brand new sports complex, the first of its kind in the area. Texas Sports Builders, a full build sports construction company, installed the running track and synthetic turf field in conjunction with the General Contractor Baird Williams. Deputy Superintendent Rusty Wallace was involved in the project from the bond package to selecting the turf system and the contractor who did the installation, “We are incredibly pleased with the track, field and stadium. Week after week I get nothing but compliments.”
Texas Sports Builders faced viable competition during the bid process for a build of this size but ultimately won the project because of their experience, quality products and detailed approach to every project. “After meeting with Chuck and Hector, there was no question Texas Sports Builders would build our track and field. I knew their experience and knowledge combined with their ethical approach would deliver the finest athletic facility,” furthered Rusty.
A sandwich system running surface was installed for high performance track events. The track system is impermeable creating a longer lasting playing surface that better handles Texas weather issues. The Trophy Turf System by Tiger Turf was chosen because of its durability and color combination creating a more real grass look and providing excellent light deflection. The turf system also reduces splash and creates more grip for the athletes during play.
Several Texas Sports Builder projects were in the construction phase in the Austin area the summer of 2009. Hector Puentes, Executive Vice President at Texas Sports Builders and Chuck Wheeler, Senior Vice President, were personally involved with every phase of this project, “This is a huge accomplishment for us. The Austin area has been dominated by our competitors in the past. Schools now see the quality of the work we produce and the integrity of every job we finish,” commented Puentes. “Our reputation is solid. We don’t cut corners, we over deliver on everything we do,” Wheeler added.
Texas Sports Builders is a full build Sports Construction Company headquartered in Burleson, Texas. The company provides general sports construction to all types of educational facilities that include synthetic turf and natural grass fields and installation of superior running tracks. Texas Sports Builders is headquartered in Burleson, Texas.
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