California's 2026 OEHHA Study on Recycled Tire Rubber: Key Findings Explained
Recycled tire rubber has been used for years in synthetic turf fields and other applications. Alongside its practical benefits, questions have been raised about potential health risks associated with exposure to chemicals found in recycled tire materials.
On March 5, 2026, California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) released its final Synthetic Turf Study, providing important scientific findings about recycled tire crumb rubber used as infill in synthetic athletic fields.
The study found no significant health risks to players, referees, coaches, or spectators from the crumb rubber-related chemical exposures evaluated.
For schools, sports facilities, municipalities, and facility managers, the findings provide valuable information to support evidence-based discussions about recycled tire materials.
On March 5, 2026, California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) released its final Synthetic Turf Study, providing important scientific findings about recycled tire crumb rubber used as infill in synthetic athletic fields.
The study found no significant health risks to players, referees, coaches, or spectators from the crumb rubber-related chemical exposures evaluated.
For schools, sports facilities, municipalities, and facility managers, the findings provide valuable information to support evidence-based discussions about recycled tire materials.
What Is the California OEHHA Synthetic Turf Study?
The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) is part of the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA). It conducts scientific evaluations of environmental contaminants and their potential effects on human health. OEHHA’s Synthetic Turf Study examined whether chemicals associated with recycled tire crumb rubber infill could pose health risks to people using or visiting synthetic turf fields.
Crumb rubber infill consists of small granules made from recycled tires. These granules are commonly placed between synthetic grass fibers to help support the blades, provide cushioning, and improve traction. The study evaluated potential exposure to chemicals associated with this material under a range of field-use conditions.
The final report was published on March 5, 2026, after an extensive research process that included environmental sampling, exposure assessment, public comments, and scientific advisory review.
Crumb rubber infill consists of small granules made from recycled tires. These granules are commonly placed between synthetic grass fibers to help support the blades, provide cushioning, and improve traction. The study evaluated potential exposure to chemicals associated with this material under a range of field-use conditions.
The final report was published on March 5, 2026, after an extensive research process that included environmental sampling, exposure assessment, public comments, and scientific advisory review.
How Was the Study Conducted?
OEHHA used field sampling, laboratory testing, and exposure assessments to better understand how people might encounter chemicals associated with crumb rubber infill.
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Research Component
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Scope
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Synthetic turf fields sampled
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35 fields across California
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Chemicals investigated
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More than 100 potentially concerning chemicals
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Player participation
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More than 1,000 soccer players surveyed
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Ages surveyed
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7 to 71 years
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Exposure pathways
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Skin contact, inhalation, and incidental ingestion
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Field Sampling and Chemical Analysis
Researchers collected samples from 35 synthetic turf fields representing different climate regions, field ages, and material conditions across California. Air samples were also collected during periods of active field use and periods of non-use. The investigation examined more than 100 chemicals with the potential to pose health risks, providing a broad assessment of substances associated with crumb rubber infill.
Evaluating Real-World Exposure
To understand how people interact with synthetic turf surfaces, researchers studied field-contact activities such as running, sliding, diving, and other forms of contact with the field.
The study considered several potential exposure pathways:
Researchers also considered exposure scenarios for young children and spectators. This approach helped OEHHA assess potential risks under a range of realistic field-use conditions.
The study considered several potential exposure pathways:
- Skin contact: Direct contact with crumb rubber and field surfaces.
- Inhalation: Breathing airborne particles or chemicals associated with the field environment.
- Incidental ingestion: Accidentally swallowing small amounts of crumb rubber or material transferred from hands to the mouth.
Researchers also considered exposure scenarios for young children and spectators. This approach helped OEHHA assess potential risks under a range of realistic field-use conditions.
Key Findings of the 2026 OEHHA Synthetic Turf Study
The final report provides several important conclusions about the chemical exposures evaluated.
1. No Significant Health Risks Identified Under the Evaluated Conditions
OEHHA concluded that the assessed exposures to field-related chemicals associated with recycled tire crumb rubber infill did not present significant health risks to players, referees, coaches, or spectators.
These findings included the exposure scenarios evaluated for young athletes and other field users.
These findings included the exposure scenarios evaluated for young athletes and other field users.
2. No Significant Cancer Risks Found from Evaluated Crumb Rubber Exposures
The study assessed potential cancer risks associated with exposure to chemicals detected in crumb rubber infill.
OEHHA’s overall conclusion was that the evaluated field-related exposures did not indicate significant cancer risks for the populations studied.
OEHHA’s overall conclusion was that the evaluated field-related exposures did not indicate significant cancer risks for the populations studied.
3. Other Health Effects Were Also Evaluated
In addition to cancer risks, researchers assessed potential non-cancer health effects.
According to OEHHA’s published findings, no acute health risks were identified for the evaluated groups, and risks associated with several other health outcomes were negligible in most cases.
According to OEHHA’s published findings, no acute health risks were identified for the evaluated groups, and risks associated with several other health outcomes were negligible in most cases.
4. Scientific Review Supported the Main Conclusions
OEHHA released a draft report in March 2025 and invited public comments and scientific advisory input. Following the review process, the agency made revisions to the report while maintaining its major conclusions.
The final report was released on March 5, 2026.
The final report was released on March 5, 2026.
Why These Findings Matter for Schools and Sports Facilities
Schools, universities, municipalities, parks departments, and sports organizations regularly evaluate materials used in athletic and recreational environments.
Their decisions often involve several considerations, including:
Their decisions often involve several considerations, including:
- Health and safety
- Surface performance
- Durability and maintenance
- Environmental impact
- Long-term facility requirements
Recycled Tire Rubber and Responsible Material Use
- Recycling end-of-life tires can create opportunities to reuse materials that might otherwise require disposal.
- Recycled tire rubber is used in several applications, including certain sports surfaces and manufactured rubber products.
- However, different applications involve different material formulations, manufacturing processes, and exposure conditions.
- OEHHA’s research contributes to understanding one particular application: recycled tire crumb rubber used as infill in synthetic turf fields.
- The findings can help inform discussions about material reuse and responsible recycling while underscoring that other recycled rubber applications may require their own assessments.
Understanding the Scope and Limitations of the Study
An important part of interpreting scientific research is understanding what was evaluated. OEHHA’s 2026 study specifically assessed potential health risks associated with chemical exposures from crumb rubber infill used in synthetic turf fields. The study did not establish that every recycled rubber product is free from health risks. It also did not directly evaluate finished rubber ramps, accessibility products, or every possible application of recycled tire materials. Differences in material composition, manufacturing methods, intended use, and exposure conditions may affect how findings apply to other products. For this reason, the conclusions should be interpreted within the scope of the research.
Why SafePath Products® Is Sharing This Research
At SafePath Products®, we believe that informed material selection begins with access to credible information. As a manufacturer of accessibility solutions that include recycled rubber products, we recognize the importance of independent scientific research in helping customers and industry professionals better understand recycled materials and their applications. Although the OEHHA study focuses specifically on crumb rubber infill in synthetic turf fields, it contributes useful evidence to broader industry discussions about recycled tire materials.
For architects, contractors, facility managers, and property owners, scientific research is one of several resources that can support responsible decisions about materials, accessibility, and long-term facility performance.
SafePath Products® remains committed to providing accessibility solutions designed to address real-world transitions, entrances, and surface challenges across commercial, educational, healthcare, and recreational environments.
Learn more about SafePath’s Sport Courts & Sports Fields solutions: ADA Access Ramps for Sports Facilities That Keep Every Athlete Moving
SafePath Products® remains committed to providing accessibility solutions designed to address real-world transitions, entrances, and surface challenges across commercial, educational, healthcare, and recreational environments.
Learn more about SafePath’s Sport Courts & Sports Fields solutions: ADA Access Ramps for Sports Facilities That Keep Every Athlete Moving
Frequently Asked Questions
OEHHA found no significant health risks from the evaluated chemical exposures associated with recycled tire crumb rubber infill used in synthetic turf fields. The findings apply to the materials, populations, and exposure conditions assessed in the study.
OEHHA’s assessment found no significant health risks from the crumb rubber-related chemical exposures evaluated for players, referees, coaches, and spectators. The conclusion should be understood within the scope of the study rather than as a guarantee that every possible use or exposure is risk-free.
Researchers sampled 35 synthetic turf fields across California, representing different field ages and climate regions.
Yes. OEHHA assessed potential cancer risks associated with the evaluated chemical exposures and found no significant cancer risks attributable to the field-related crumb rubber exposures studied.
No. The study specifically evaluated crumb rubber infill used in synthetic turf fields. Its findings should not automatically be applied to other recycled rubber products, including finished accessibility ramps or other manufactured rubber components.
The final report and supporting materials are available at https://oehha.ca.gov/risk-assessment/report/release-final-report-synthetic-turf
Final Thoughts
The release of California’s 2026 OEHHA Synthetic Turf Study represents an important contribution to the scientific understanding of recycled tire crumb rubber used in athletic fields. Through extensive field sampling, chemical analysis, and exposure assessment, OEHHA found no significant health risks from the field-related chemical exposures evaluated. For schools, sports organizations, municipalities, and facility professionals, the findings provide a valuable resource for making informed decisions about synthetic turf materials.
At SafePath Products®, we support sharing credible research that encourages informed conversations about recycled materials, accessibility, and responsible facility planning.
At SafePath Products®, we support sharing credible research that encourages informed conversations about recycled materials, accessibility, and responsible facility planning.
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Research Sources
Primary Source: California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), March 5, 2026.
Final Report: Release of the Final Report on Synthetic Turf
Press Release: Landmark Study Finds No Significant Risk from Key Component of Synthetic Turf Fields
Research Clarification: This article discusses OEHHA findings on chemical exposures associated with recycled tire crumb rubber infill in synthetic turf fields. The research does not constitute a product-specific safety certification or assessment of SafePath Products® accessibility solutions.