Riding Arena Surface
Environmental & Safety Testing Results Summary


 
SHOCK ABSORBING PROPERTIES
Description:  Crumb rubber was evaluated for Shock Absorbing Properties using the equipment described in ASTM F-1292-93, Standard Specification for Impact Attenuation of Surface Systems Under and Around Playground Equipment.
Summary:  Crumb rubber exceeded the Critical Height limits (under 200 "G" Max and under 1000 HIC) at a 6-inch depth in both the 9' drop height as well as the 10' drop height.

 
FLAMMABILITY STUDY
Description:  Crumb rubber was tested using the method described in 16CFR 1500.44 of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act for rigid and pliable solids (A material is considered "flammable" if it ignites and burns with a self-sustained flame at a rate greater than .01 inches per second along its major axis.)
Summary:  In each test reading, the crumb rubber had a burn rate significantly less than that required for it to be considered "flammable". Based on the testing results, the crumb rubber is considered non-flammable according to the requirements of the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. The testing company also documented that "Specimens were easily extinguished after the 60 seconds testing period".

 
TEMPERATURE COMPARISON STUDY
Description:  Crumb rubber and typical play sand were tested to compare the temperatures, under full sunlight, that would be encountered under normal use in a typical playground setting. Test bed dimensions were 16" x 24" x 3" deep and all readings were on a 30-minute average with an ambient air reading of 101° F.
SUMMARY:  In each test reading, the crumb rubber remained significantly cooler than the play sand by as much as 20 degrees.

 
TOXICITY TEST
Description:  Crumb rubber was immersed into a strong hydrochloric acid (an acid which is significantly stronger than stomach acid).
Summary:  There was basically no reaction to the crumb. The testing company attributed the .7% loss to the nylon/rayon fiber, but the rubber itself didn't react to the acids. Therefore, the chance of digestion is very slim based on the data collected.

 
MISC. TESTING RESULTS
Melting Point: 234° F
Spontaneous Combustion (Flashpoint): >610° F
Relative Density: 22.0 pcf minimum, 30.9 pcf maximum
Permeability: Coefficient of permeability, 1.2 cm/sec when tested at 30.5 pcf.

 
ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION
  • Ground Tire Rubber (GTR) is a non-hazardous, filled hydrocarbon polymer and is considered to be non-toxic, non-metallic, principally organic, carbon based material.
  • EPA's Compliance Monitoring Section has states that rubber added to the soil is not hazardous. It is "inert" and biodegradable, but won't break down for 25+ years.
  • In 1990, testing commissioned by the Rubber Manufacturer Association show that leachate from tire samples contained only a few metal and organic compounds. The concentrations of these metals and compounds were 1-3 times LESS than those proposed TCLP regulation and EPA primary drinking water standards.
  • In 1994, the EPA added recycled crumb rubber to its Comprehensive Procurement Guide (CPG).
ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION POSTED ON EPA'S WEBSITE

Please take a moment to visit any of these links listed below. They are articles readily found on the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) website that refer to the many benefits of crumb rubber (recycled tire material) and are EPA's effort to promote the use of recycled tire products:

Overviews of the tire disposal problem and recycling efforts in the U.S.:
http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/recycle/jtr/comm/rubber.htm
http://www.epa.gov/epr/products/tires.html
http://www.epa.gov/epahome/issues2_0705.htm

Document that discusses ART's patented product REBOUNDÒ Premium Soil Amendment at U.S. Army Golf Course in MD (see pg. 4):
http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/compost/erosion.pdf

EPA's promotion of recycled-tire playground surfacing (includes a testimonial from ART's customer, The City of West Palm Beach, FL on page 3):
http://www.epa.gov/epaoswer/non-hw/procure/general/parks.pdf

Please contact us directly should you have any further questions.
Full testing details are available upon request.
Copyright© 2005
JCI
All Rights Reserved.