Questions Raised On Artificial Turf Health Risks

By Kendra Bobowick

Nestled within Treadwell Park’s artificial turf field is the source of what one environmental and health-related group is calling its “greatest concern.” The North Haven-based nonprofit Environment and Human Health, Inc (EHHI) believes that synthetic fields, to which large amounts of ground up rubber tires are added as in-fill, may pose health or environmental risks under the right conditions.

The environmental group’s public health toxicologist, David Brown, ScD, worries that some organic compounds could affect children’s respiratory health as well as having other health effects.

The rubber material specifically, is the focus of a study that has been gathering attention, including Park’s and Recreation Director Barbara Kasbarian’s, for one specific reason.

“Tires are under our [field],” Ms Kasbarian said.

The EHHI sought answers from the Department of Analytical Chemistry at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES), after a group of parents in Westport came to them with concerns about a new artificial filed. EHHI President Nancy Alderman said, “They worried that the new athletic field was made with ground tire crumbs. They thought there would be health risks.”

The chemistry department recently examined rubber crumbs produced from recycled tires.

According to the exam dated for August 2007, “The department of analytical chemistry…agreed to conduct a very modest study of the materials,” with $2,000 in funding from EHHI. Based on a six-page summary, the chemistry department hoped to answer whether the tire crumbs gave off gasses, to learn the type of compounds found in the crumbs, and whether organic or elemental components can be leached from the crumbs by water. (Read the report at www.ct.gov/caes/site/default.asp.)

Based on conclusions at the end of the department’s preliminary studies, “laboratory data…presented the conclusions that under relatively mild conditions of temperature and leaching solvent, components of crumb rubber produced from tires volatize into the vapor phase and are leached into water in contact with the crumbs…”

The department conclusions suggested that the tire materials used in artificial turf require additional investigations. The document noted, “Further studies of crumb rubber produced from tires are warranted under both laboratory, but most especially field conditions…the examination of compounds…from the crumbs…collected at varying heights and seasonal conditions at installed fields should be compared with background levels.”

Adding one other area of interest, the conclusions state, “It is also logical to determine airborne…matter…under the same conditions.”

Heading the department of analytical chemistry is Dr MaryJane Incorvia Mattina. She explained, “I think more research is warranted, yes.” She also noted the nature of preliminary research. “Basically…you get more questions than answers.” She said researchers need to conduct “real” field studies.

Dr Mattina drew attention to one website, syntheticturfcouncil.org, which is among many website resources containing information about artificial turf and its relationship to health and the environment. When visiting the syntheticturfcouncil.org, refer to the research selection under reference library, which leads to meeting notes from 2006.

Because of these preliminary findings and until additional testing is completed, EHHI is recommending that no additional synthetic fields be installed until the additional testing is completed.

Its claim? According to a recent release, the EHHI asserts that fields are installed, “without understanding what the health effects from these fields might be.” Based on another EHHI statement, “Environment and Human Health, Inc has been concerned about the number of communities and schools that have, or are in the process of, installing very expensive synthetic fields without any testing…or without understanding what the potential health effects from these fields might be.”

Ms Alderman said, “There is so little testing done on these rubber crumbs and the fields are being put in around Connecticut.”

Ms Kasbarian wants clearer answers.

“We’ll have to wait until they come out with something more conclusive,” she said. “I think this is something that will be researched.”

Ms Kasbarian confirmed that she was interested in putting another artificial field in at Treadwell’s lower Tilson field. The high school may also become home to an artificial field. Treadwell’s current artificial turf field cost $500,000. The Tilson project is an estimated $750,000 she said. The synthetic material is “wonderful,” said Ms Kasbarian. High activity wears down the grass fields.

“We’re definitely going to discuss this at the next [Parks and Recreation Commission] meeting,” she said. Considering worst case scenarios and possible loss of the artificial turf field, Ms Kasbarian said, “I am going to wait until they finish studies on it, then the commission will have to decide what to do.”

From a safety and health perspective she said, “I don’t want anyone to be harmed.” Hoping to learn more, Ms Kasbarian is also seeking answers.

The EHHI has scheduled a press conference for 11 am, August 29 in Hartford in the legislative office building, hearing room 1B. The group intends to discuss the results of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station’s tests and the meaning of their findings at this press conference. The Environment and Human Health Inc website is ehhi.org.