carcinogenic turf fields

[Unregistered]

Numerous studies exist on turf "off-gassing" carcinogenic effects -
We were in Lancaster over the scalding weekend and the air was chemically stifling over the field. Anyone have any more recent data regarding effects? The turf fields are horrendous in the summer and grass is not used - for saving them? for killing kids? for what???

http://www.ct.gov/dph/lib/dph/enviro...h_fs_10-07.pdf
VOC release from crumb rubber infill would be expected to be greatest under sunny, hot weather conditions and the surface of artificial fields is known to become hotter than the ambient air. Temperatures of 150F or higher have been found under these conditions (McNitt, 2007). Particle release is expected to be affected by the number of athletes using the field at any given time, their body weight and the intensity of their exercise. Weather conditions such as temperature gradients and wind will affect gas and particle concentrations in the breathing zone of athletes; in general this is 3-6 feet above the surface. Temperature studies done by Pennsylvania State University indicate the rapid dispersal of heat with height above the fields with measurements 3 feet above the surface 40-60F less than the surface temperature (McNitt, 2007). This rapid atmospheric mixing suggests that VOCs emanating from the surface will also rapidly dilute and that the main potential for exposure is during brief periods where athletes are lying flat on the ground. Indoor fields will have less dilution effect (less wind and temperature gradient) and measurements at indoor soccer fields in Norway (height above field not specified) found a variety of rubber-related VOCs (Dye, et al., 2006).

[Unregistered]

I was in Lancaster today and saw Erin Brockovich walking around with a clip board, a measuring tape and some test tubes. Not to worry.

[Unregistered]

News Flash: Water is bad for your health.

[Unregistered]

Numerous studies exist on turf "off-gassing" carcinogenic effects -
We were in Lancaster over the scalding weekend and the air was chemically stifling over the field. Anyone have any more recent data regarding effects? The turf fields are horrendous in the summer and grass is not used - for saving them? for killing kids? for what???

http://www.ct.gov/dph/lib/dph/enviro...h_fs_10-07.pdf
VOC release from crumb rubber infill would be expected to be greatest under sunny, hot weather conditions and the surface of artificial fields is known to become hotter than the ambient air. Temperatures of 150F or higher have been found under these conditions (McNitt, 2007). Particle release is expected to be affected by the number of athletes using the field at any given time, their body weight and the intensity of their exercise. Weather conditions such as temperature gradients and wind will affect gas and particle concentrations in the breathing zone of athletes; in general this is 3-6 feet above the surface. Temperature studies done by Pennsylvania State University indicate the rapid dispersal of heat with height above the fields with measurements 3 feet above the surface 40-60F less than the surface temperature (McNitt, 2007). This rapid atmospheric mixing suggests that VOCs emanating from the surface will also rapidly dilute and that the main potential for exposure is during brief periods where athletes are lying flat on the ground. Indoor fields will have less dilution effect (less wind and temperature gradient) and measurements at indoor soccer fields in Norway (height above field not specified) found a variety of rubber-related VOCs (Dye, et al., 2006).

If you were really there you would have seen the grass fields in use....

[Unregistered]

If you were really there you would have seen the grass fields in use....

I was there too and you are correct. Along with the fact that it was routine summer weather, not 'scalding' or unbearable at all.

[Unregistered]

I was there too and you are correct. Along with the fact that it was routine summer weather, not 'scalding' or unbearable at all.

Says the guy sitting on the sidelines

[Unregistered]

Says the guy sitting on the sidelines

Different poster. If you think it is too hot for you or your kid: stay home. Clearly hundreds of people did not find the weather "scalding" or "unbearable" both kids on the field, and yes, parents on the sidelines.

[Unregistered]

Different poster. If you think it is too hot for you or your kid: stay home. Clearly hundreds of people did not find the weather "scalding" or "unbearable" both kids on the field, and yes, parents on the sidelines.

That's not the point jack wagon. The truth is, history is loaded with products that were deemed safe only to end up being very hazardous.

[Unregistered]

But how much is the average player exposed to - if it even is an issue?

And yes grass fields do need to be rested

[Unregistered]

That's not the point jack wagon. The truth is, history is loaded with products that were deemed safe only to end up being very hazardous.

Well what are the impacts of playing on fertilized field. I am sure there are hazards with that too.

[Unregistered]

Artificial fields are inferior in every way to a nice grass field. Injuries are more common (ACL, turf toe, severe abrasions), they are hotter, and they trap bacteria. Not sure about carcinogens, but certainly pause for concern.

There is a reason FIFA does not utilize them. They have a role for poor weather situations but on a decent day, natural surface for me.

[Unregistered]

Of course, who wouldn't prefer a natural grass field in great shape? But this spring season was a nightmare, even with all the turf fields at our disposal. Imagine had there been nothing but grass fields around these parts after the winter we had. Even a lot of the decent grass fields were crap once they were playable.

I don't know the first thing about properly taking care of a grass field, nor do I know anything about the hazards that may exist by playing on turf. All things being equal, a great natural grass field is the best choice. But I'll take decent fieldturf over crappy grass. It solves a problem - there simply are not enough good grass fields that are accessible.

[Unregistered]

Of course, who wouldn't prefer a natural grass field in great shape? But this spring season was a nightmare, even with all the turf fields at our disposal. Imagine had there been nothing but grass fields around these parts after the winter we had. Even a lot of the decent grass fields were crap once they were playable.

I don't know the first thing about properly taking care of a grass field, nor do I know anything about the hazards that may exist by playing on turf. All things being equal, a great natural grass field is the best choice. But I'll take decent fieldturf over crappy grass. It solves a problem - there simply are not enough good grass fields that are accessible.

I served on or town's Park and Rec board for a long time. Maintaining good grass fields is not easy and it isn't cheap either. Spring time requires aeration. Fields have to be fertilized and watered to prevent weed takeover. There are restrictions on types of fertilizers/pesticides you can use in parks/schools and much of what you can use isn't very effective. The average town doesn't have sprinkler systems and can't justify the cost of watering. Then add frequent heavy use (football and LAX shred the fields) which means you have to rotate some fields off line from time to time. Oh yeah....and the town keeps cutting budgets so a few years ago we had to institute field usage fees for any group using the fields to help cover costs.

Turf has its obvious upsides, especially in New England, but is costly, not 100% maintenance free has to be replaced about every ten years, is HOT, and has questions (including higher incidence of staph infections). Like much else in life it's all about balancing. The lucky town/club has access to both.

[Unregistered]

Artificial fields are inferior in every way to a nice grass field. Injuries are more common (ACL, turf toe, severe abrasions), they are hotter, and they trap bacteria. Not sure about carcinogens, but certainly pause for concern.

There is a reason FIFA does not utilize them. They have a role for poor weather situations but on a decent day, natural surface for me.

The fact that FIFA does not utilize them is not a positve fact for your argument

[Unregistered]

The fact that FIFA does not utilize them is not a positve fact for your argument

If the artificial surface was superior why wouldn't they be the preferred playing surface for FIFA, EPL? MLB parks who have artificial grass are considered jokes (Trop in Tampa, Rogers in Toronto). Football in the northern climates tends to be too difficult to maintain due to the growing season and all have pretty much switched. But in the South, many more grass fields.

The positives for artificial are much lower maintenance and a consistent playing surface regardless of weather and traffiic.

Please explain why the switch has not been universal to artificial turf.