What assessment has the Minister made of research into the potential carcinogenic properties of recycled tyre crumb rubber and associated products used in artificial sports pitches and playgrounds?
Following EU Exit, hazardous chemicals in products in Great Britain may be restricted through the UK REACH Regulation, which comes under the Common Framework on Chemicals and Pesticides. Defra, the Welsh Government and the Scottish Government work together under this Common Framework to agree priorities for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)’s UK REACH work programme, which includes the development of new restriction proposals.
One of the restriction proposals which remains under consideration for future years’ work programmes is a proposal to restrict polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in rubber crumb used for synthetic sports pitches, due to their carcinogenic properties. Such a restriction has been taken forward in the EU under EU REACH.
In February 2021 the Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA) introduced a Code of Practice setting concentration limits for these chemicals in the rubber infill material manufactured by its members in the UK, in line with the EU REACH restriction. The Welsh Government will work with the UK and Scottish Governments to consider whether an additional UK REACH restriction might be warranted under a future work programme, to reinforce these control measures which are already being taken by the sports sector.