The Alarming Truth About Rubber Matting in Artificial Turf: A Hidden Health Crisis
Artificial turf has long been touted as a low-maintenance, cost-effective […]
Post Author:
Premium Grass Blades
Date Posted:
October 14, 2024
Artificial turf has long been touted as a low-maintenance, cost-effective alternative to natural grass. However, beneath the surface lies a growing health concern that could have serious consequences for our children, particularly young athletes. Across the globe, countries are beginning to take action, with The Netherlands recently removing all artificial turf containing rubber matting from sports fields across the nation. The reason? Shocking evidence has emerged that links the rubber matting used in artificial turf to serious health risks, including cancer. And yet, despite this, the United States has yet to follow suit. Here’s why you should be concerned—and why change is urgently needed.
A Rise in Cancer Cases Among Young Athletes
One of the most alarming trends we’ve seen in recent years is an increase in lymphoma cases among young soccer players, particularly goalkeepers. These athletes are in constant contact with artificial turf, diving, sliding, and inhaling the dust kicked up from the ground. Goalies, who are more exposed to the turf’s surface, have shown a disturbingly high rate of cancer diagnoses. So, what’s the cause?
The Toxic Truth Behind Rubber Matting
The foundation of many artificial turf fields is made from rubber crumb, a substance created by recycling old tires. What was once a cost center for tire companies—disposing of or recycling used tires—has been turned into a profit center. By chopping up old tires and selling the rubber crumb as a base for artificial turf, tire companies have found a lucrative new market. But at what cost?
These rubber crumbs are far from harmless. Studies have shown that they contain dangerous levels of toxic substances, including lead, mercury, and arsenic. These are not just environmental hazards but poisons that pose direct health risks to anyone exposed to them—especially children who spend hours playing on these surfaces. Over time, as players come into contact with these toxic particles through their skin, by inhaling dust, or through accidental ingestion, their bodies absorb these harmful chemicals.
Scientific Evidence: The Yale University Study
Artificial turf with rubber matting, commonly used in athletic fields and playgrounds, has recently come under scrutiny due to concerns about health risks. Specifically, the material known as “crumb rubber,” made from recycled tires, contains toxic chemicals like lead, mercury, and arsenic. This rubber infill is frequently used to cushion synthetic fields, but it is now being linked to a rise in health problems, particularly among young athletes.
A notable study from Yale University analyzed the chemical composition of crumb rubber and found that it contains 96 different chemicals, many of which had never been evaluated for toxicity. Of the chemicals that had been studied, around 20% were considered probable carcinogens, raising significant concerns about exposure to these substances through skin contact and inhalation. Alarmingly, research points to goalkeepers as being particularly vulnerable, as they spend more time in close contact with the turf, potentially inhaling toxic particles or absorbing chemicals through their skin.
The Netherlands has already taken decisive action by removing all artificial turf with rubber matting across the country. However, the United States has yet to follow suit, despite mounting evidence of the potential dangers these materials pose. Several communities and experts, including Environment and Human Health, Inc., are advocating for natural grass as a safer alternative for school fields and playgrounds.
For more on the Yale study, you can refer to their detailed findings here: Yale Engineering
What Can Be Done? Advocating for Change
The U.S. has yet to take significant action, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait for government intervention to protect your children. If your community or school uses artificial turf with rubber matting, it’s time to raise awareness. Here’s what you can do:
- Educate decision-makers: Reach out to school boards, local governments, and sports organizations to inform them about the dangers of rubber matting in artificial turf. Share the findings of studies like the one from Yale University.
- Advocate for change: Push for the replacement of toxic artificial turf with safer alternatives, such as natural grass or non-toxic synthetic turf options.
- Choose natural options: Encourage the use of eco-friendly, natural alternatives that don’t pose a risk to children’s health.
The Call for Safer Turf
At Premium Grass Blades, we are committed to providing safer alternatives to traditional artificial turf. Our products are free from harmful rubber crumb materials, offering peace of mind to parents, schools, and communities. As more awareness grows about the dangers of rubber matting, it’s important to choose turf solutions that prioritize safety without compromising on quality or performance.
It’s time to take action before more children are harmed. Let’s learn from The Netherlands and advocate for healthier, safer playing environments for our kids. The future of our children’s health depends on it.