The Tire Industry Association (TIA) is an international non-profit association representing all segments of the tire industry, including those that manufacture, repair, recycle, sell, service or use new or retreaded tires, as well as suppliers or individuals who furnish equipment, material or services to the industry.  With over 8,000 members from all 50 U.S. states and around the globe, the TIA is a leading authority in the tire industry for advocacy and training.

The TIA recently released its Position Statement regarding the recycling of scrap tires.  The statement was issued in response to recent media claims that products containing crumb rubber may be harmful to people and the environment.

Based on its extensive review of more than 60 technical studies, as well as expert field and laboratory analyses, the conclusion of the TIA was that crumb rubber used in artificial turf or as a playground surface poses no significant health or environmental risk.

The TIA therefore supports the continued use of crumb rubber in synthetic turf, athletic fields and playgrounds as well as other product applications.  They find the media claims to be unsubstantiated and not supported by any scientific evidence.

Details of the TIA’s review and findings are available in its Position Statement.