ecycled tire derived rubber is considered a tire-derived material (TDM) that is used as a feedstock material in the manufacturer of tire-derived products (TDP) and for a wide variety of end uses. TDM is used in athletic, recreation and play surfaces intended to prevent injuries from impact with the surface during play or falls and lower extremity injuries from rotational and lateral friction. The choice of using TDM is ultimately the decision of the owner. Performance merits and proven lack of toxicity based on science will have little bearing on the choice should an owner’s community or political pressure dictate otherwise. As a result we are providing information, history and choices that may help an owner or community make choices that best meet their needs.

Recently and for the past 30 years there has been concern over the potential risk of developing a disease as a result of exposure to recycled tire rubber. Over this thirty year period there have been numerous studies on this subject performed by industry and government agencies. At the same time there has been a societal change in the degree of harm to which users are willing to accept as is evidenced in the rise of the profile for concussion prevention rather than lifethreatening injuries as stated in playground standards.