Artificial Turf Raises Cancer Concerns

A recent E60 report from ESPN brought mainstream attention to a growing concern about cancer risk from playing on artificial turf fields made with crumb rubber, the little black pellets that add spring to turf. Crumb rubber, made from ground up tires, contains a number of carcinogenic compounds.

Here is the E60 report:

E60 Report On Artificial Turf & Crumb Rubber

As you can see in the video, there is striking anecdotal evidence surrounding cancer developing in young soccer goalkeepers, who spend a lot of time diving onto the ground.

Scientific studies have shown little to no health risk from playing on artificial turf. Yet many advocates feel that the research has been limited at best and that more work needs to be done.

California just announced a three year, $3 million study on crumb rubber risk.

Crumb rubber is one of many types of turf infill. Crumb rubber is popular, though, because it is cheap, effective, and recycles old tires.

Hat tip to Mike Whitaker.