Two senators have asked President Barack Obama to launch a "comprehensive" study into the potential health risks posed by "crumb rubber" turf, a surface made of recycled tires used on playgrounds and athletic fields across the country, NBC News reported.
Sens. Bill Nelson of Florida and Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut said in Thursday's letter the possibility of a link between turf and cancer "cannot be ignored" and requires more scrutiny. They asked for the White House to "spearhead" a study that draws on the expertise of the Environmental Protection Agency, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Centers for Disease Control.
A White House spokesperson said "the administration is aware of the issue and will respond to the senators soon."
No studies have linked crumb rubber to cancer or any disease, but some experts believe more tests are needed to determine whether the product is safe for use.
