Ebi Egbe Advocates Ban on Crumb Black Rubber Granules in Artificial Grass
Ebi Egbe, a prominent sports facility construction expert renowned for constructing stadiums across Nigeria, has called upon the Federal Government to prohibit the use of crumb black rubber granules in artificial grass infill pitches within the country.
Egbe’s plea stems from concerns about the potential health hazards associated with these materials, particularly their link to carcinogens.
In an interview with journalist as earlier reported by the Nation, Egbe highlighted that the components of the rubber used in artificial pitch infills are sourced from used car tires, posing potential risks to end users, especially footballers who frequently come into contact with the surface. He emphasized that these materials emit carcinogens, which are cancer-causing agents, particularly on sunny days.
Egbe pointed out that Europe has already taken steps to address this issue by instituting a ban on crumb black rubber granules in artificial pitches. He stressed the urgency for Nigeria’s government and states to follow suit to safeguard the health and well-being of athletes and sports enthusiasts.
“Today is World Cancer Day, and I want to use this opportunity to plead with the Nigerian Government and states to ban the use of crumb black rubber granules for artificial grass infill pitches in Nigeria,” Egbe urged. “Legislation has already placed a ban on it in Europe, and they are currently in a six-year phase-off period for all black rubber granules pitches.”
Egbe’s advocacy aligns with global efforts to prioritize safety and health in sports infrastructure, urging proactive measures to mitigate potential risks and ensure a safe environment for athletes and spectators alike.
