Carcinogenic Artificial Turf Research

Concerns have been raised about the safety of recycled tire crumbs used in playing fields and playgrounds. Limited studies have seemingly not shown an elevated health risk from playing on fields with tire crumbs, but existing studies do not appear to comprehensively evaluate the concerns about health risks from exposure to tire crumbs.

Whenever there is a question of this nature though, we must do all we can to investigate any potential issues to avoid major problems like we have seen with materials such as asbestos over the last few decades.

Why is it potentially dangerous?

Artificial ‘3G’ pitches are created by inserting synthetic grass-like blades into a thin base layer of sand. These blades are then supported by an infill of ‘rubber crumb’ or ‘astro-dirt’ – small pieces of rubber sourced from reclaimed automotive tyres. It’s these granules that people are concerned may be rife with carcinogens, which are hazardous and potentially lethal to humans.

Griffin’s research

A U.S. coach raised suspicions that the tiny black dots on artificial turf playing fields made from recycled tires – aka ‘tire crumb’ – are to blame for causing cancer to sportspersons; especially goalkeepers, as they spend a lot of time on the ground.

Griffin compiled list of athletes with cancer in the U.S., which totalled 230, including 183 soccer players, of which 114 are goalkeepers.

In the U.K. there are some football grounds that use ‘3G’ pitches, and there are notable premiership rugby grounds like Allianz Park (Saracens) and Kingston Park (Newcastle Falcons) with a lot of other sides set to follow suit shortly. As such, any question of health concerns need to be properly addressed.

Federal research in the U.S.

A multi-agency action plan to study key environmental human health questions has been launched by several U.S. authorities. The Coordinated Federal Research Action Plan on Recycled Tire Crumb Used on Playing Fields and Playgrounds includes outreach to key stakeholders, such as athletes and parents, seeking to:

Artificial surfaces in th UK

NHS Cumbria Boss Nigel Maguire believes that artificial surfaces caused his 18 year old son’s cancer.

He said: “I started researching and found that, in America, connections were being made between the increasing number of players developing cancers – most notably Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – and those playing on artificial turf. However, this research had not been given widespread visibility in the UK, and was only just gaining momentum in the US.”

Maguire believes that his son, who trains at the Leeds Football Club Academy as a goalkeeper, was more susceptible to the effects of the rubber crumbs because he plays in a position that traditionally has a lot of contact with the pitch.

“After the first time Lewis received treatment, we still had no knowledge of the potential implications of the artificial turf,” says Maguire, “so we let him resume activity on the surfaces. And, even though Lewis’ Consultant at the Royal Victoria Infirmary said that it was very, very rare for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma to relapse in children, this is now Lewis’ second illness.

“When the rubber crumbs are breathed in, ingested, or enter the body through the nose, ears, eyes or mouth, the tiny particles can get into the digestive and respiratory tracts. The particles are minute, sharp, and embed very easily. We believe that this is the reason Lewis now has soft tumours in his spleen, lungs, neck and back.

“And ingestion through body orifices is not the only potential danger,” Maguire continues, “these surfaces also cause grazes or burns in a way natural grass and turf does not. Minor scuffs can be much deeper when suffered on artificial surfaces and so substances may enter the body through these abrasions. Fingernails and hair will also collect these particles through normal play activity – not even necessarily during a sports game.

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/health/are-artificial-sports-pitches-causing-cancer/

European study

In 2006, a Norwegian study evaluated the dangers of using styrene butadiene rubber (rubber crumb) in the composition of artificial turf. This Scandinavian study found that “the component spectrum has a clear signature from the rubber granulate and contains a considerable number of components which are associated with adverse effects on health.” However, no further course of action was taken.

In a 2008 study of artificial turf by scientists in Michigan, harmful chemicals were found in virtually every sample of the surface tested, including arsenic, chromium, and lead. Despite academics concluding that “more research is needed,” no further studies by the scientists ever appeared.

And, in 2013, the use of recycled rubber in leisure facilities was analysed in Dutch journal Chemosphere.

The researchers concluded that “uses of recycled rubber tires, especially those targeting play areas and other facilities for children, should be a matter of regulatory concern.” But still, three years on, no major studies have addressed the problems.

No concrete evidence yet

“Artificial pitches are subjected to stringent checks when commissioned to ensure that they are safe to use, are durable and do not contain materials harmful to health,” O’Donnell continues. “Tests are carried out to verify the materials used in the artificial turf, sand and rubber are not toxic to humans. This regulation is covered in legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work Act, Consumer Protection Act and COSHH regulations.

So, many studies, but no apparent “hard-core evidence” to suggest a solid link. Large and carefully controlled population studies would be required.