The Turf Guru

Artificial turf was first produced back in the 1960′s and was first called astroturf.  The original astroturf  is described today as carpeting over concrete. It has developed a lot over the years and has become quite popular. As synthetic playing fields become more popular more questions arise about them. A big question and an ongoing debate is player safety on these synthetic fields. The question of, are the players more prone to injury on synthetic playing fields rather then on a natural surface is a hot topic.

This is a debate that has been going on for few years.  With the old astroturf serious injuries and minor injuries to players were definitely higher then on natural turf.  As artificial turf has progressed over the years it has been developed to resembled natural turf in every way.  A study recently been done by the NFL states that on modern synthetic fields major injuries such as a concussion are slightly less likely however minor injuries such turf toe (hallux rigidus).   However 80% of NFL players feel synthetic fields are going to shorten there career. 

Players on modern synthetic fields are not going to be anymore prone to injury then they would be on natural fields in my opinion.  Natural fields have there own risks for injury.  If natural fields are not properly kept they are going to be ripped up and become dangerous for players. And you have to remember with any sport you are going to have injury no matter what surface you are playing on.

The number of synthetic turf fields is on the rise in North America. In the United States there are approximately 3500 synthetic fields with about 900 to 1000 new ones being installed every year. One of the biggest debates with these synthetic fields is, is it hazardous to our health to play on them? This is an issue because of lead chromate, which is used for the pigment and to prevent fading with some brands. And because of the crumb rubber that is used for fill on these fields. It is made from recycled tires, which contain heavy metals, petrochemicals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

In the spring of 2008 two synthetic fields in New Jersey were shut down because of extremely high lead ratings. This raised a few heads and started on going research on just how dangerous these fields are to our health. After this incident in New Jersey New York City had four of their fields tested for high levels of lead. These fields were about the same age and from the same company. The tests came back and the fields were fine. As of right now research shows that for these fields to be harmful towards your health is almost impossible.

Personally I believe that there is no need to worry about your health when playing on synthetic turf. Obviously there is material that is used to make these fields that could be harmful to you. However with the research that has been done it clearly shows there is nothing to worry about. It tells us that its most likely to have no increase of risks to our health.
(http://www.nyc.gov/html/doh/downloads/pdf/eode/turf_report_05-08.pdf).

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