The concentration limit of eight PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) in rubber granules and mulches used as infill on sports pitches and playgrounds has been reduced in the EU to 20 mg/kg.
The new, lower limit will ensure the safety of people - especially children - playing on these fields.
The restriction will not affect existing fields immediately but will ensure that any infill material used for refilling the fields is below the new limit. Granules or mulches placed on the market also have to be batch labelled to ensure safe use.
The new rules apply in the EU/EEA from 10 August 2022. It will make playing on artificial sports pitches and playgrounds safer and may help to ease social concerns and worries over playing on artificial sports pitches and playgrounds.
photo: IAKS, Carina Deuß
