CEH Center's Dr. Forman on Turf Fields: 1 of 2

Dr. Joel Forman of Mount Sinai's Children's Environmental Health Center talks on the health concerns of second generation turf fields. He gives parents practical advice on how they can protect their children and themselves.

Although the desire to improve access to recreational sports fields is clearly well intentioned the risks that accompany synthetic turf need to be carefully considered. Modern natural grass system fields have made substantial advances in the last decade and should be given careful consideration as an alternative to synthetic turf installations. Although such natural grass fields may not offer the full time access that synthetic fields can potentially provide, they have become much more durable, easier to maintain, and more accessible than old natural grass fields and may compare quite favorably in terms of costs. Given the uncertainty of the environmental and health risks associated with synthetic turf, communities should carefully consider all of the alternatives available including modern natural grass systems when they work to improve the availability of sports fields for children.

What can parents do? Parents should insist that their communities, schools, and parks departments carefully consider all of the issues related to synthetic turf and include health risks from synthetic turf, alternatives like advanced modern natural grass fields, and a balanced cost comparison of the various options in their decision making. When dealing with already installed synthetic turf fields parents should:
•Do no use the turf fields on extremely hot days.
•Be sure to clean and monitor any "turf burns" obtained while playing.
•Attempt to remove all pellets from shoes and clothes prior to leaving the fields.
•At home, shake out your children's equipment and clothes in the garage or over the garbage.
•Have your child shower and wash thoroughly after playing on the field.

Go to www.cehcenter.org to download the accompanying presentation in PDF format.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Turf
• Crumb
• Rubber
• MRSA
• Children
• Environment
• Mount
• Sinai
• Medicine