Rubber particles, sometimes derived from used tires, are used on artificial turf athletic fields, on playgrounds and as mulch. These particles can off-gas and leach compounds into the environment and may present a contact or inhalation hazard. Recent news reports in the US and Europe indicate a growing concern regarding potential health effects in athletes using these artificial turf fields.

This study describes the use of the GERSTEL Dynamic Headspace Sampler (DHS) for the collection and analysis of compounds off-gassing from samples of rubber particles collected from local athletic fields and playgrounds. The DHS can be configured to analyze a single sample under set conditions, or collect samples from a single sample over time. Quantitative and qualitative results will be shown in this study.