Despite Health Concerns, Phoenixville Approves Turf Plan: Report

PHOENIXVILLE, PA -- The Phoenixville School Board has approved their original turf plan, which includes crumb rubber fields over which there were numerous health concerns, according to a report.

The installation of two fields was approved in the fall as part of the development of the Early Learning Center and new Elementary School.

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Several board members had, at one point, said that alternatives to the crumb rubber should be investigated.

There remains no conclusive evidence proving - or disproving the health concerns that were raised.

Officials considered both Liberty Tire and Ecore EPDM as replacements to crumb rubber but both were more expensive and possibly less durable, the Times Herald notes.

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Resident John Mraz said that of four grass fields and two turf fields, the school should install six grass fields, according to the Times Herald.

“We could end up like another Flint, Michigan,” Mraz reportedly said at a February 18 board meeting.

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Residents cited the dangers of turf crumbs being ingested by children, and the numerous environmental and personal questions surrounding the safety of the turf, as reasons for a change.