Health issues of the kind where chemicals are causing cancer are inherent with anything “plastic,” synthetic, and artificial. Media coverage of this sort of situation is extensive. On a more serious note, have a look around. The brand-new dog park you attend daily, and your child’s playground are both coated in artificial grass. Are there any reasons to be concerned?
You are not alone. Many people have been concerned about the synthetic chemicals that might use in artificial turf (aka, plastic grass). It has been found that such chemicals might cause cancer and other health problems. The dog park and playground are fantastic! The only concern is how these materials can harm pets or children who touch or play on them, but this is not an issue for people who don’t use the facilities.
However, the health concerns of synthetic surfaces used in “indoor” areas are not as widely discussed as those of outdoor surfaces. Most synthetic surfaces are not meant to be permanent, so they will eventually have to be replaced. This is one of the reasons that artificial grass is widely used in commercial settings and home green spaces, like dog parks and playgrounds.
This risks the natural environment and local ecosystem as these surfaces are not biodegradable. Synthetic grass is widely used in commercial settings and home green spaces, like dog parks and playgrounds. This poses a risk to the natural environment and local ecosystem as these surfaces are not biodegradable.
What the studies are saying
Studies don’t say that much; it’s true. Due to the public’s worry over potential health dangers, experts have maintained a close eye on synthetic grass.
These highly thought-provoking articles which are now being viewed as considered to be the voices of reason are missing one crucial element and that’s information. There isn’t any proof or factual information. Despite this, research demonstrates that artificial grass, and other surfaces offer no health risks to people. Although it is true that some fillers, such as crumb rubber, can produce extremely high temperatures, overheating is still within the range that is linked to cancer.
One thing to remember is that there hasn’t been thorough comparative research done to compare the differences between the various brands of chemical compounds utilized in each mix. These gaps are essential because they induce worry and might be used to instigate irrational concern.
Some states contain the exact formulation of chemicals and therefore may not produce the same results. In other words, one product might reduce the number of cancer cells, and another might increase them. Additionally, research suggests that each product has different types of chemical compounds.
The association between development and cancer is not as straightforward as it seems. The study should establish factors such as the chemical compound’s effect on the number of cancerous cells or other parameters that might indicate a cancer-causing agent.
While most products have a research-backed formula, it is essential to note that they may not all pass legislation that restricts the sale of certain types of products to reduce the number of cases attributed to them. The chemical compounds in the formulation of a particular product can lead to different effects on the body.
Therefore, it is essential to have research done that compares the chemical compound used in each product.
But what about levels of lead?
While research indicates artificial turf is generally safe, the media has focused on the lead levels. There are good reasons for this, but they are not as compelling (or dramatic) as the headlines may lead one to believe.
Rubber crumbs are sprinkled over artificial grass, particularly turf intended for use in athletics. This conventional one is being used instead because of the previously discussed heating problems. These rubber fragments raise additional issues that are not stated, such as the fact that they are recycled tires created from old tires.
The method used to turn tires into filler crumbs and the chemical makeup of rubber itself raises the issue of chemical components. Rubber infill has a wide range of chemical hazards that it may carry, including lead and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
It would help if you didn’t worry because of this. In place of rubber crumbs, there are various possibilities. But research has revealed that even if you decide to utilize the material, the amounts of lead or other chemicals in your body would be so low as to not be comparable to what you could regularly encounter in food or your environment.
Remember that even while specific turfs have shown to have substantial amounts of lead, such turfs were either older AstroTurf versions or ones with rubber as the infill. We’ve previously indicated various alternatives to the rubber crumb if the topic is essential to you.
Are the cancer allegations accurate?
Artificial grass cannot be proven to cause cancer by any scientific study that has been conducted. Everything you heard regarding cancer and artificial turf was speculative and unsupported.
Some viral allegations have been that soccer players are getting leukemia, lymphomas, and other cancers because they play on synthetic grass. However, there is no factual data to back up these assertions. They are false.
Reports on this subject have a reputation for selectively exaggerating some sources of information while instilling a fear of a research gap.
Turf’s response was divisive because it is widely believed to raise the risk of cancer, asthma, and neurological disorders. In many countries, where artificial grass is not common, the risks of turf are probably similar to soil risks.
Conclusion
Anything made of synthetic material exposed to lots of human interaction will be investigated. Artificial grass has been examined more closely than other contaminants we’re exposed to regularly. The evidence doesn’t provide any reason to worry about our health if we decide to replace our grass with turf.
The Synthetic Grass Council also regularly tests artificial turf and makes its findings available to the public.
Another thing to remember is that although individuals worry about the dangers of artificial grass and then scream for aid in the media to make a few claims, the techniques employed to maintain natural lawns are virtually entirely ignored. This is because natural grass is frequently treated with chemical pesticides, mainly used in public and recreational settings. The data supporting the harmful consequences of wild grass is not as vital.