US EPA

1597738 

Journal Article 

Hazardous organic chemicals in rubber recycled tire playgrounds and pavers 

Llompart, M; Sanchez-Prado, L; Pablo Lamas, J; Garcia-Jares, C; Roca, E; Dagnac, T 

2013 

Yes 

Chemosphere
ISSN: 0045-6535
EISSN: 1879-1298 

Elsevier Ltd 

90 

2 

423-431 

English 

22921644 

10.1016/j.chemosphere.2012.07.053 

WOS:000312618300040 

https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84869884564&doi=10.1016%2fj.chemosphere.2012.07.053&partnerID=40&md5=793aaa6f52885420c025538e245010fb
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In this study, the presence of hazardous organic chemicals in surfaces containing recycled rubber tires is investigated. Direct material analyses using solvent extraction, as well as SPME analysis of the vapour phase above the sample, were carried out. Twenty-one rubber mulch samples were collected from nine different playgrounds. In addition, seven commercial samples of recycled rubber pavers were acquired in a local store of a multinational company. All samples were extracted by ultrasound energy, followed by analysis of the extract by GC-MS. The analysis confirmed the presence of a large number of hazardous substances including PAHs, phthalates, antioxidants (e.g. BHT, phenols), benzothiazole and derivatives, among other chemicals. The study evidences the high content of toxic chemicals in these recycled materials. The concentration of PAHs in the commercial pavers was extremely high, reaching values up to 1%. In addition, SPME studies of the vapour phase above the samples confirm the volatilisation of many of those organic compounds. Uses of recycled rubber tires, especially those targeting play areas and other facilities for children, should be a matter of regulatory concern. 

Scrap tires; Recycled rubber; Playgrounds; Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs); Plasticizers; Benzothiazole