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Senators, CPSC Launch Investigation into Potential Cancer-Causing Properties of Rubber Sports Turf

There are hundreds of thousands of products in our modern, consumer-driven world. While many of these are products that we may select and purchase of our own accord, there are numerous other products that we are forced to encounter on a daily basis. Regardless of the circumstance, products can pose a serious danger to the health and safety of you and your family.

Every state has adopted a consumer protection law that allows consumers who suffer injuries due to a dangerous product to bring a claim against the manufacturer and other potentially liable parties. Although there are some differences in these laws, they generally impose the same requirements on plaintiffs seeking compensation from a product manufacturer or distributor.

In general, product makers owe the public a duty to design products that are reasonably safe and to ensure that individual products on the manufacturing line do not suffer from defects that render them unreasonably dangerous. The product liability laws also impose liability against defendants who fail to provide an adequate warning about certain dangers that a product may pose, or who fail to provide sufficient instructions for using the product in a safe and reasonable manner.

In some cases, products raise such significant concerns that government officials and consumer protection interest groups call for investigations and provide warnings to consumers. Recently, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (“CPSC”) has taken notice of a government-backed investigation into the safety of crumb rubber turf used in sports stadiums and arenas. The crumb rubber turf is made of ground-up black rubber pellets. Many individuals have raised concerns, however, that the infill exposes athletes to chemicals that have been linked to cancer.

Last month, the chairman of the CPSC, Elliot Kaye, released a statement on television indicating that the Commission is launching an investigation into the crumb rubber turf product. The statement followed the release of an open letter to the White House from Senator Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), asking President Obama to lead an in-depth study into whether the turf is safe. A similar letter was sent to Chariman Kaye in November 2015, urging the Commission to get involved with efforts to investigate the potential dangers associated with the turf.

In 2015, the popular television sports network ESPN released a report that examined the health risks associated with crumb rubber turf infill. The report indicates that there are more than 12,000 synthetic rubber turf fields in the U.S. and that most of them are made using ground up tires.

If you or someone you love has suffered injuries due to a dangerous product or device, you may be entitled to compensation. It can seem incredibly daunting to bring a lawsuit against a large manufacturing company, but we know what it takes to be successful. At Moll Law Group, our dedicated and experienced product liability lawyers have counseled victims throughout the country, including in New York, Texas, and California. We offer a free consultation to help you learn about the rights and remedies available to you. Call us at 312-462-1700 or contact us online to set up your appointment.

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