Testing & Compliance

About Our Tests

Robertson Recreational Surfaces offers poured-in-place rubber playground surfacing featuring EPDM/TPV wear layers bonded to SBR cushion bases.

Each system is validated through independent laboratory testing for PFAS compounds (EPA Method 1633), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (ASTM F3496), and heavy metal content (EN 71-3). These surfaces are formulated to contain no detectable PFAS at standard laboratory thresholds, meet PAH safety standards, and comply with heavy metal migration requirements equivalent to toy industry regulations, providing schools, parks, and municipal facilities with resilient, safe, and easy-to-maintain playground surfacing solutions.

See Documentation

EPA Method 1633 (PFAS Analysis)

What it evaluates: Tests for an extensive range of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals," within surfacing materials.
Why it's important: Demonstrates that PFAS compounds are not detected above minimal laboratory reporting thresholds—providing assurance of safer recreational spaces and confidence for purchasers.

ASTM F3496 (PAH Assessment / "PAH8")

What it evaluates: Identifies eight priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)—compounds associated with incomplete combustion processes.
Why it's important: Validates that PAH concentrations remain at or below established safety benchmarks, supporting responsible material choices for spaces where children play.

EN 71-3 (Heavy Metal Migration Testing)

What it evaluates: Employs toy industry testing protocols to measure the potential migration of heavy metals (such as lead or cadmium) from the surface material.
Why it's important: Verifies minimal risk of metal leaching from playground surfaces—meeting rigorous safety standards designed for children's products.

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TPV/EPDM Poured Rubber Systems

Testing samples, which included both the SBR cushion layer and wear surface, were analyzed for three critical safety categories—PFAS compounds, PAHs, and heavy metals.

Laboratory results indicated no detectable PFAS or PAH presence in either component, with heavy metal migration levels falling within toy industry safety thresholds.

Test Results

PFAS Testing (EPA 1633):

TPV/EPDM wear layer/binder: Laboratory analysis of 40 PFAS compounds yielded non-detect (ND) results at exceptionally low reporting thresholds (parts-per-billion in solid materials).
SBR cushion: Identical EPA 1633 protocol applied; all PFAS compounds returned ND results across the entire testing panel.

Heavy Metal Analysis (EN 71-3, Category III "scraped-off"):

TPV/EPDM wear layer/binder: Complies with rigorous toy industry migration thresholds for elements including lead, cadmium, chromium, and others (PASS).
SBR cushion: Assessed using EN 71-3 protocol; achieved overall PASS designation.

PAH Testing (ASTM F3496 "PAH8"):

TPV/EPDM wear layer/binder: Both TPV and EPDM colored wear layers demonstrate acceptable PAH concentrations per the passing benchmark of ≤20 mg/kg.
SBR cushion: Evaluated against the same standard utilizing a ≤20 mg/kg total PAH8 threshold; achieved overall PASS.

The Significance of These Tests

PFAS analysis screens for persistent "forever chemicals." ND results indicate the laboratory detected no presence above minimal detection thresholds in either system component.
EN 71-3 applies toy-safety leaching protocols; PASS designation confirms minimal potential for metal migration from the surface material.
PAH8 screening validates that materials meet the commonly applied threshold for playground surfaces regarding these combustion-related compounds.

Testing & Compliance

About Our Tests

EPA Method 1633 (PFAS Analysis)

ASTM F3496 (PAH Assessment / "PAH8")

EN 71-3 (Heavy Metal Migration Testing)