Artificial Turf Fields Their Benefits and Risks

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Health and Ecological Effects of Turf Fields

Logos

These are a recent type of synthetic turf, covered by a grass-like ground that strongly resembles natural grass in looks and function (STC 2015). They are said to function this way on a year-round basis in all weathers and for prolonged use without need for recovery. Because it is synthetic, it is offered as a suitable solution and replacement for worn-out playing fields. At the same time, it does not need water or fertilizer as much as its natural counterpart. It is also available in different attractive styles, which match the locality (STC).

Sellers of artificial turf fields argue that natural grass fields cannot remain fresh and resilient if used for more than three to four days in a week, under the rain or when grass does not naturally grow (STC 2015). The low maintenance and water needs of a huge turf field for numerous sports teams and games have raised the demand for synthetic or artificial field turfs in schools and parks. About 8,000 of these synthetic turf sports fields are installed and used in North American schools, colleges, parks and sports stadiums (STC).

Ethos

For their attraction in water savings and low maintenance, there is the more significant question on synthetic sports turf fields environmental safety as a suitable replacement or substitute for natural grass (Cheng et al. 2014). A synthetic turf field consists of infill materials, which come from scrap tires. These tires contain many organic contaminants and heavy metals, which when evaporate or leach into rainwater, can be a serious threat to human health and the environment. Some studies found that concentrations of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds in the air provide appeasing results to this apprehension. They concluded that the air over these artificial fields was not significantly higher than the natural in the background.

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The heavy metal concentrations and organic contaminants were generally lower than the regulated limits. These studies concluded that the use of artificial or synthetic sports field turfs does not expose users, such as athletes, to higher risks. Preliminary life cycle assessment even suggested that their effect on the environment was lower than that of natural grass fields. Further research was encouraged on the feared potential damaging effects of artificial turf fields (Cheng et al.).

Crumb Rubber Cushion

These synthetic turf fields are mostly cushioned with crumb rubber (Ginsberg et al. 2011). Rubber consists of components, which consist of poisonous and carcinogenic properties. Those using this type of turf fields can inhale these chemicals from rubber. Athletes are at a particular risk for their high breathing rates. Emissions from four outdoor and one indoor turf fields in the State of Connecticut were studied one summer. The study used different stationary and personal samples on-field and in background locations. Results showed that more than 20 chemicals of concern when associated with duration of exposure and activities producing greater ventilation among children and adults. Children were at a greater risk, especially on the indoor field. The study isolated benzothiazole, a semivolatile organic chemical or SVOC, as 14 times higher indoors than outdoors. The study concluded that the use of outdoor and indoor synthetic turf fields did not increase adverse health impacts. The results were consistent with those obtained from similar studies conducted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in New York and in Norway where synthetic sports turf fields were tested under different weather conditions (Ginsberg et al.).

Another study aimed at comparing artificial turf football fields and urban areas according to the concentration of PN10 and PM2.5 and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), aromatic hydrocarbons (BTXs), and the mutagenicity of organic….....

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