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.
“I learned that more and more facilities are using turf fields,” Congressman Steve Israel said. He recently called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for an updated, detailed study into crumb rubber infill. “I saw reports that the EPA hadn’t adequately researched [field turf] safety.”
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.”
The Plainview-Old Bethpage School District, which utilizes a synthetic turf field donated by the Town of Oyster Bay, did not provide a comment for this story. The Town of Oyster Bay was asked to comment, but said it would only do so if the school district chose to comment.
Darren Gill, FieldTurf vice-president of marketing, innovation and customer service, said that the best option for turf material is still up for debate.
“The primary option is crumb rubber,” Gill said, adding that crumb rubber is made from recycled tires. “That’s one of the options that we have. In terms of the alternate products, there’s organic products. We have a system that’s made up of cork. Certainly in some cases, is there some minor risk? We acknowledge that,” Gill said. “But that minor risk is much less than the alternative in playing on natural grass.”
