Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Starting in 2030, the Netherlands will transition away from synthetic turf on sports fields, replacing it with natural grass due to growing concerns over health risks, including potential cancer hazards.
Synthetic turf, often made from “rubber crumb” or small pellets derived from recycled car tires, has come under scrutiny following a study involving Dutch football clubs.
According to Ministry of Sport, the study found that out of 60 clubs examined, 58 were found to have fields containing carcinogenic compounds at levels 1.5 to 3.7 times higher than those allowed in consumer products.
The rubber infill was found to contain harmful substances such as arsenic, benzene, heavy metals, lead, mercury, and other carcinogens, raising alarm about long-term health implications.
A separate study led by Amy Griffin, Associate Head Coach of the University of Washington women’s soccer team, identified 237 soccer players who primarily played on artificial turf and later developed cancer. Most of the affected athletes were goalkeepers, who frequently came into contact with the synthetic surface.
Exposure to toxic substances from artificial turf poses a significant health risk, particularly for goalkeepers who frequently play on these surfaces. With high-intensity play leading to direct skin contact, these young athletes face repeated exposure to potentially hazardous materials.
This prolonged exposure has been linked to severe health issues, including neurological disorders, respiratory problems, and an increased risk of cancer, such as lymphoma.
Cancer specialist Bob Lowenberg provided a balanced perspective on the findings, stating, “There is absolutely no evidence that artificial grass pitches are bad for you, but we can’t definitively say they are safe. I think there is every reason to be concerned about artificial grass pitches.”
Use of Synthetic Turf
The Netherlands pioneered synthetic turf usage in 2003, with Heracles Football Club becoming the first to adopt the surface. At the time, it was lauded for its low maintenance costs and resilience against weather-related cancellations. However, players frequently criticized artificial turf for increasing the risk of injuries and altering ball dynamics.
Jan Smit, former chairman of Heracles and an early advocate for synthetic fields, defended its use, emphasizing its reliability in adverse weather conditions. “You don’t hear anyone complain about artificial grass when it’s frozen for five days straight in February. On natural grass, it becomes a mudbath, and games have to be called off,” Smit remarked.
While the Netherlands is taking steps to phase out synthetic turf, other countries, such as Australia, are seeing a rise in its installation. A report by New South Wales’ chief scientist revealed a sharp increase in synthetic sports fields, from just 24 in 2014 to 181 in 2023. Despite this growth, concerns persist about the material’s chemical composition, environmental impact, and performance under Australia’s climate.
Synthetic Turf Negative impact
Another research conducted in the United States, specifically at Yale University, has revealed potential health risks associated with artificial turf. The study identified toxic exposure risks that can occur through inhalation, skin contact, or ingestion of harmful chemicals present in the synthetic materials.
The turf’s rubber infill, often made from recycled tires, contains heavy metals as well as polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Among the 360 chemicals identified in the rubber crumb, 52 were classified as carcinogenic. Additionally, six of these substances are suspected or confirmed carcinogens, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
These findings underscore growing concerns over the safety of artificial turf and its potential long-term health implications, particularly for athletes and children who frequently come into contact with these surfaces.
Besides the negative impact on prolonged exposure to the toxic material, the environmental risks of synthetic turf, including microplastic pollution from rubber infill contaminating waterways, are an additional concern.
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The Netherlands’ decision to prioritize natural grass surfaces underscores the need for a science-driven approach to protect athletes’ health and mitigate environmental harm.
As the global conversation around artificial turf continues, balancing practicality, safety, and sustainability remains a pressing challenge for sports and urban planning stakeholders worldwide.
(Raidi/Agung)
