We, the undersigned parents, caregivers, residents, and concerned members of the Brookfield community, are formally requesting the removal of the recycled-tire rubber mulch from the children’s playground at Candlewood Lake Elementary School and its replacement with an appropriate non-tire-based playground surface.

This request is specifically about the playground area where young children have direct and repeated contact with this material. It is not about rubber mulch being used for cosmetic landscaping elsewhere on school property.

For months, concerns have been raised with the school district regarding the use of recycled-tire rubber mulch on this playground. Some of the many studies and reports identifying potential hazards and unanswered questions surrounding children’s exposure to recycled-tire materials have been provided to the district.

The recycled-tire rubber mulch in the playground is troubling, as it poses significant health and environmental risks. Recycled-tire rubber mulch is often touted as a safe and cost-effective solution for playgrounds, but emerging evidence suggests otherwise. These rubber pieces come from shredded automobile tires, which are known to contain a mix of chemicals, some of which are potentially hazardous. According to a study conducted by Yale University, such mulch can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), both of which have been linked to various health problems, including respiratory issues, skin irritation, and even certain types of cancer.

These concerns are especially troubling because metal fragments have reportedly been found in the mulch at Candlewood Lake Elementary School and have required removal. Children also regularly leave the playground with pieces of rubber caught in their shoes, socks, clothing, and belongings, extending their contact with the material beyond the playground itself.

Parents have requested product-specific laboratory testing demonstrating the chemical safety of the actual recycled-tire material being used on this playground. Despite these requests, information that adequately addresses these concerns has not been provided.

We recognize that playground surfaces must meet important requirements for fall protection and accessibility. However, meeting those physical-performance standards does not, by itself, answer questions about the chemical composition of recycled-tire material or children’s repeated exposure to it.

Our children deserve a play area that reflects the wholesome environment of Candlewood Lake, free from the risk of exposure to these dangerous substances.

Candlewood Lake Elementary School should not be prioritizing short-term financial savings over long-term health and safety, especially when alternative solutions exist. Natural options such as wood chips offer sustainable protection for our children without the hidden dangers of chemical exposure. Numerous schools across the country have already made the switch, demonstrating a commitment to safety and sustainability.

I urge the Brookfield Board of Education to take immediate action to remove and replace the recycled-tire rubber mulch at Candlewood Lake Elementary School. With your support, we can create a safer, cleaner, and more environmentally friendly playground for our children. Let us ensure that while our kids are busy having fun, they are playing in an environment that supports their health and wellbeing.

Please sign this petition if you support removing recycled-tire rubber mulch from the Candlewood Lake Elementary School playground and creating a safer play environment for our children.

Sources & Supporting Research

• Yale University / Environment & Human Health — Recycled-Tire Rubber Research
  https://www.ehhi.org/artificial-turf.php
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) — Federal Research on Recycled Tire Crumb Used on Playing Fields & Playgrounds
  https://www.epa.gov/chemical-research/federal-research-recycled-tire-crumb-used-playing-fields-and-playgrounds
• National Toxicology Program / NIEHS — Recycled Tire Crumb Rubber Research
  https://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/research/topics/syntheticturf
• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) — Crumb Rubber & Playground Safety
  https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education
• Centers/Crumb-Rubber-Safety-Information-Center
  CPSC / University of Cincinnati — Playground Surface Risk Assessment Report
  https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/Final-Report-on-Technical-Support-Activities-for-a-Screening-Level-Risk-Assessment-of-Playground-Surfaces.pdf
• California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) — Human Health Studies of Recycled-Tire Products
  https://oehha.ca.gov/risk-assessment/background/human-health-studies-synthetic-turf