Holmdel TC: Please shelve synthetic turf fields

Back in 2012 Nassim Taleb wrote a wonderful book titled Anti-fragility. The book speaks to practices that lead to more resilient systems. One of the practices advocated is to askew the new and the not fully understood when a historically safe and viable alternative exists. This is especially true when the consequences of misunderstanding can be severe.

The jury is still out on the safety of synthetic turf fields. The EPA in July 2019 released Part I of a two part investigation into the recycled tire crumb used in such fields. Part I lists the chemical composition of the crumb rubber. Part II (on going and yet to be released) will cover the exposure to the chemicals to the users of such fields. The report expressly states that actual risk assessment is not its mandate and such assessment is deferred to future investigations. Please refer to the attached EPA link https://www.epa.gov/chemical-research/federal-research-recycled-tire-crumb-used-playing-fields .

Bottom line is that we have no clarity on safety as yet. Do not rely on manufacturers and installers research (or funded research) for the obvious conflict of interest reasons.

Our children’s health maybe compromised, we simply do not know as yet. Is the potential risk worth the marginal increased usefulness of the new technology (yes it is “new” relative to our understanding of the potential risks)? Personally at this point, I am far more comfortable with a well maintained, proven over millennia, grass field.

Holmdel TC please, no new Synthetic Turf Fields until there is clarity on safety.