Despite their intrinsically toxic chemistry, particulate materials created from vulcanised elastomers, notably as crumb rubber from worn tyres, commonly end up in environmentally sensitive areas such as children’s playgrounds and sports venues. Wear and tear of these synthetic materials re-introduced to the built environment then results in a whole new cycle of pollution by a list of organic chemicals and metals that is as long as it is poorly understood.
The main challenge of REPLAY is to devise a new protocol to collect and fully characterise vulcanised rubbers used in playground settings, including their inhalable fraction. We will produce an inventory of chemicals of concern present in these materials, focussing our heavyweight analytical laboratories to analyse for the polymers and their many additives. Our experiments with outdoor exposure conditions will mimic real-world weathering of playground surfaces. Particularly relevant here is the fact that these elastomers may adsorb and release environmental contaminants as they deteriorate with atmospheric exposure, potentially changing their affinities for metals and organics.
Funding: PROYECTOS EUROPA EXCELENCIA 2022, Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación. EUR2022-134037
