Lawmakers mull moratorium on recycled rubber in playgrounds

The Planning and Development Committee of the state House of Representatives debated a bill that would place a moratorium on the use of recycled rubber in new playground construction pending the results of a federal study.
Some lawmakers say they're concerned about reports that the material is toxic.
According to Rep. Roland Lemar, some experts say that at least 20 percent of the chemicals in recycled rubber are probably toxic.
He is supporting a bill that would block their use in new playgrounds until the Environmental Protection Agency announces findings from its own study on the matter, which is expected to be released in the coming months.
But some committee members urged patience. They say the state should wait until the results are announced, fearing that an unjustified ban could cause unnecessary hysteria.