Many universities and local governments have installed synthetic turf made with “crumb rubber” – ground up tires – on playing fields and playgrounds in recent years to obtain the advantages of all-season use and lower maintenance costs. In recent months, however, the media and a growing group of critics contend that the crumb rubber used in these fields contains carcinogens and is potentially dangerous to children and other users. While the scientific evidence to date shows no basis for these concerns, the movement against crumb rubber is nevertheless escalating, due in large part to media reports from NBC, ESPN, and others, followed by Members of Congress calling for an investigation by the CPSC and EPA. The article at the link below surveys the crumb rubber debate, the current science and existing health investigations of crumb rubber, and the litigation risk arising from ongoing investigations and media pressure.
http://www.law360.com/articles/737107/turf-wars-the-attack-on-crumb-rubber-synthetic-turf