Environmentalists Target Crumb Rubber

By Douglas V. Gibbs

Pat Birdsall Park in Temecula has joined sports parks and schools around the State of California as the center of a controversy. The synthetic turf fields are under scrutiny because some environmental activists have encouraged a growing public health debate about the ramifications of the use of these fields. The concern centers around the tiny rubber pellets, called crumb rubber infill, that nestle among the fake blades of grass. It is being alleged that the pellets, made from recycled tires, contain harmful carcinogens that are making young athletes sick.

The cost of synthetic turf is about $400,000 to $800,000 to install at high school and smaller college stadiums, but create a great savings because they can last 10-15 years before needing replacement, and do not require watering, an important benefit in the drought-stricken State of California.

Though numerous studies, and mounting evidence, shows that there is no danger, the debate remains, and parents are searching for answers. Senate Bill 47, authored by Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo, calls for a study to assess the health risks of synthetic turf fields. It also would enact a moratorium on new fields until Jan. 1, 2018.

-- Political Pistachio Conservative News and Commentary

Underneath Artificial Turf Lurks a Public Health Debate - Press Enterprise