Synthetic turf fields have been popping up across Nassau County, with the promise of longer playing time, decreased injury and fair competition. But the field’s underbelly, specifically its infill made of recycled tires, has local advocates asking for additional studies.
Among those is Congressman Steve Israel, who recently called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for an updated, detailed study into crumb rubber infill.
“I learned that more and more facilities are using turf fields,” Israel said. “I saw reports that the EPA hadn’t adequately researched [field turf] safety. This should not be guesswork. I want to make sure [school district] turf field decisions are based on accurate information from the EPA.”
Most studies are dated, with the latest chronicle being in 2009 by the EPA. The recycled tires made of the infill posed no threat, the study says, but the EPA admitted that “it is not possible to reach any more comprehensive conclusions without the consideration of additional data.”
Darren Gill, FieldTurf Vice President of Marketing, Innovation and Customer Service, said he believes that the studies have been sufficient in proving that turf is safe.
“In terms of crumb rubber, there’s a lot of good studies out there that have been peer-reviewed. The data comes back in many cases that artificial turf is safer than natural grass,” said Gill. “We have reviewed the research and believe that it’s safe.”
Some older products were made with lead in the fibers; but according to Gill, the Consumer Products Safety Commission ruled that the lead could not be digested.
Gill acknowledges that in some cases, there is some minor risk, but says that “that minor risk is much less than the alternative in playing on natural grass.”
But some, including Ken Spaeth, Division Chief Occupational and Environmental Medicine North Shore LIJ Health System, say more studies need to be done.
“If these fields are going to continue to be so widespread, it’s incumbent upon the public health and regulatory community to look at these playing surfaces to make sure they’re not posing meaningful risk,” Spaeth said. “That requires comprehensive analysis and so far we haven’t had it.”
The Hicksville School District used Atlanta-based company Sprinturf to install football, soccer and lacrosse turf fields several years ago. Athletic Director Matthew Calarco said that the district has not seen anything adverse with the fields and that the district has had a very positive effect with them thus far.
“You can use them all the time,” said Calarco. “The rain doesn’t bother it, we don’t have issues with drainage. It’s just cleaner.”
