Key result
Artificial turf crumb rubber exposure is linked to 1,3-DMBA detection in athletes' urine.
Crumb rubber from artificial turf can cause positive doping tests for 1,3-DMBA in athletes.
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Caution against immediate AAF sanctions for 1,3-DMBA in turf athletes; extends known sources of unintentional doping positives.
1,3-DMBA was detected in urine samples of eight athletes following a doping control, resulting in one AAF and levels below WADA's MRL in seven teammates. Investigation revealed contamination from rubber infill used on the indoor artificial turf, with analysis confirming 1,3-DMBA in the turf's crumb rubber originating from recycled tires.
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Gjelstad et al. (2026) studied this question. Exposure to artificial turf crumb rubber caused 1,3-DMBA detection in eight athletes' urine, resulting in one AAF and seven cases below WADA's MRL.
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