Health Query Over Ground-Up Tyres?

A website covering news in northwest North Carolina has questioned the safety of using ground-up tyres as a mulch for yards, gardens etc. Journalnow.com says that one research study suggests that one recycled product, culled from ground-up rubber tyres, might be carcinogenic. Crumbled rubber mulch is being marketed as soft ground cover for use in playgrounds and near playground structures, such as swings, slides and climbing bars. Another similar product is being used as a base material for artificial grass surfaces.

To be fair, the story does say that most of the research – and concerned groups are quick to point this out – is inconclusive. But these groups also point to the levels of zinc, cadmium and other heavy metals in “tyre crumbs.” The material has been found to emit volatile organic compounds into the air. Some studies suggest that tyre crumbs can be harmful to plants, says the article.