The growing concern over artificial turf fields and their possible connection with cancer has led to more significant research, including a recent study by the Washington State Department of Health and researchers at the University of Washington, but their findings have concluded that the field surface is not linked to an increased rate of cancer.
As detailed in an article on CNN by Jacqueline Howard, artificial turf uses synthetic fibers to mimic grass and recycled tire crumbs to mimic soil — it’s the chemical contaminants of the tire rubber, which can be dangerous at high levels of exposure, that caused concern amongst the entire athletic community.
However, according to the latest study published by the Washington State Department of Health, “people who enjoy soccer [should] continue to play regardless of the type of field surface. Our recommendation is based on our investigation and the available research on crumb rubber.”
The study mirrored the findings of the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment and the Connecticut Department of Public Health and were, of course, welcomed by the Sports Turf Managers Association and the Recycled Rubber Council.
There are still lingering concerns over the hazardous potential buildup of rubber-related chemicals, particularly in indoor facilities that are not properly ventilated. The study from the Washington State Department of Health also concluded that “Assurance of the safety of artificial turf with crumb rubber are limited by the lack of adequate information on potential toxicity and exposure.”
There’s yet to be a significant study on the effects of the chemicals getting into the blood of players as a result of open sores or by other means (a huge risk for goalkeepers), and research is still very much ongoing. Researchers at Yale and the University of Washington have applied for a research grant from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to assess such exposure.
Tips to minimize potential exposure include washing your hands after playing and before eating, showering after practice, treating open sores, taking off your shoes before entering the house and avoiding swallowing rubber.
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