Mythbusters: Is Synthetic Turf Harmful to Athletes ?

Category: Home & Garden

With artificial turf gaining popularity in the design and architecture industry, more and more establishments are taking into seriousness incorporating the material in their infrastructures and establishments. Now we see synthetic turf used in homes, commercial spaces, interior design, parks, playgrounds, schools, major stadiums, and even sports playing fields across the United States are switching to synthetic turf. Yet despite the success of artificial turf, many still raise concerns as to whether it is safe for humans, particularly athletes, who are exposed by it over long periods of time considering that they practice and play on the synthetic fields. Many argue that the materials used to maintain the artificial fields, such as rubber infills, pose great health risks to athletes that can affect the way they play and cause major damage in their overall well-being. THE SUPPOSEDLY ADVERSE EFFECTS OF FAKE GRASS Numerous health and environmental advocates argue that the rubber infills used on synthetic turf contain a variety of complex chemicals, metals, and carcinogens that are harmful to the human body. However, artificial turf manufacturers claim that there has already been more than 60 studies conducted regarding the health risks associated with artificial turf for the past 20 years. All of them proving that synthetic turf is indeed safe and bio-friendly. To this day, plenty of people still doubt the reputation that artificial grass withholds. Other health hazards caused by artificial turf that people worry about are heat stress, injury, latex allergy, and chemical exposure. All these issues have already been addressed by major synthetic turf manufacturers and have guaranteed that if the turf products you use are of high-quality, and made in the US where they follow strict health standards, then there really isn’t anything to worry about. At the same time, some artificial turf manufacturers like Artificial Grass Superstore provide their customers, whether homeowners or contractors, provide facts and how-to information on their blog on how they can maintain their artificial turf and make the most out of it. If you sum it up, the benefits that synthetic turf brings outweigh the supposed harm it may cause. The best part about it is that these claims are backed-up by numerous credible research studies conducted over the years. WHY THERE’S NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT According to a news article by the Los Angeles Times titled, “Are synthetic playing surfaces hazardous to athletes’ health? The debate over ‘crumb rubber’ and cancer”, it has been found out and concluded by thorough scientific research that there is no clear evidence that rubber infills used in artificial grass causes cancer to athletes. Former Temecula goalie, Paul Bahou said in an interview with the LA Times that since his family is in the business of recycling plastic bottles to transform them into food packaging, he has ample knowledge on how recycling works. Addition to this, he said, “People think the evil oligarchs are poisoning our children for profit. I don’t see this cabal of rubber manufacturers sitting around with sacks of money wondering how they can kill people.” Currently, federal efforts in the United States are being done to finally put to a close the ongoing debate on the health hazards caused by synthetic turf. At the Same time, California officials are working with the state Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment in conducting a third study on rubber infills to bridge information gaps on the issue of health damages because of synthetic turf. The final report of which is expected to be released in the middle of year 2018. OTHER GOOD THINGS SYNTHETIC TURF BRINGS As we’ve mentioned earlier, synthetic turf’s benefits outweigh its less-appealing characteristics. Artificial turf requires no ridiculous amounts of water in order to be maintained. It requires no pesticide, fertilizers, and other toxic chemicals, ultimately reducing maintenance and labor cost that you would definitely be spending if you were keeping a natural lawn. It is also for exactly the same reasons why artificial turf is considered to be eco and bio-friendly. At the same time, artificial grass needs no waiting time unlike natural turf that requires a definite amount of rest to keep its luscious color. With artificial turf, you can enjoy the shade and structure of an emerald-green lawn all-day, year round. On top of these wonderful benefits is that artificial turf is flexible, adaptable, and durable. It is perfect whether indoors or outdoors, and can definitely withstand grit and force unlike natural grass. The best part is that with proper care and maintenance, it can last up to more than 20 years. If all these facts made you interested in installing artificial turf for your home, or incorporating it for your future design projects, head on to Artificial Grass Superstore–the leading online store for all your artificial turf needs in the United States. Know more about AGS by visiting artificialgrasssuperstore.com.