Report claims link between 3G pitches and cancer

[pete 2,499]

Report claims link between 3G pitches and cancer

By Geraint Hughes, Sky Sports News HQ

 

Last Updated: 03/02/16 6:31pm

 

A study in the USA claims there is a link between the use of artificial pitches which contain 'crumb rubber' - made from recycled tyres - and cancer.

 

The study - by the University of Washington - is not new and the results do not mean that 3G pitches in the UK hold a health risk.

 

The complete report cannot be made public as it contains personal information of those surveyed, but its conclusions are worrying, according to one of the authors, former US Women's soccer international Amy Griffin.

 

Griffin found that 200 athletes who use artificial surfaces regularly have developed forms of cancer. Of those 200, 158 were footballers and of those 158, 95 were goalkeepers.

 

The report went onto highlight 'crumb rubber', which is spread over artificial surfaces to act as a support, to prevent wear and tear and soak up excess water, is made of recycled tyres that can contain hazardous levels of toxic chemicals.

 

Those chemicals, if ingested over a long period of time can cause an increased risk of developing cancer. In the USA, tyres either manufactured domestically or imported can contain chemicals such as lead, cadmium and mercury.

 

In reply to a request from Sky Sports News HQ about any health concerns over the use of artificial pitches, FIFA - who has conducted two studies in the last decade - replied: "FIFA's Medical Assessment and Research Center (F-MARC) in cooperation with UEFA conducted an analysis of this matter in 2006.

 

"At that time, the conclusion was clear: the available body of scientific research on this issue did not substantiate the assumption that cancer resulting from exposure to SBR granulate infills in artificial turf could potentially occur.

 

"Since then, several independent research have been conducted -the latest being from 2015- reaching similar conclusions. FIFA will continue monitoring and analysing any new evidence produced on this matter."

The available body of scientific research... did not substantiate the assumption that cancer resulting from exposure to SBR granulate infills in artificial turf could potentially occur.

 

FIFA

 

Artificial pitches are a common sight in football in the UK and the Football Association are spearheading a campaign for more all-weather facilities.

 

Guidance from football authorities in the UK say they are constantly monitoring the situation and at this time are assured there is no evidence to suggest any danger.

 

Sky Sports News HQ are awaiting information from The British Association of Tyre Manufacuturers as to what materials are legally allowed in the manufacture of tyres within the UK and EU.

 

EU health and safety marks state the presence of mercury and benzene in tyres is not allowed while lead and cadmium are at trace levels of 0.05 per cent and 0.001 per cent - the same restrictions are not in place in the US.

 

While many experts believe there is no hard evidence to suggest a link between cancer and 'crumb rubber', there is yet to be a comprehensive study on the subject.

 

A study is under way in California which certainly intends to be more scientifically intense, but it is not due for publication until June 2018.

 

http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/10154596/report-claims-link-between-3g-pitches-and-cancer

 

I think you can take anything and find a link to cancer but it should be well researched. People in the shipbuilding industry on the Clyde were spraying asbestos onto the walls of ships without protection in the 50\60's so not all can just be swept aside.

[MacK1950 2,249]

Agreed from one who saw his father-in-law die a slow death from asbestosis it was not nice.If any link whatever exists these pitches should be outlawed or have to find another solution to the playing problem.

[craig 5,199]

That report has also been refuted by other prominent US university studies.

 

Experts on the subject of tyres admit that there is carcinogens in tyre rubber but that it has been tested ad nauseum and proven that the carcinogens in the rubber cannot be released.

 

This was fairly big news in Bermuda a couple of months ago as our two best pitches, and most used, are 3G

[MacK1950 2,249]

Did the article clarify "cannot be released" i.e.will the compound remain stable evermore and not be absorbed into bloodstreams if the compound becomes entrapped in living cells,as the body secretes all type of alien body fighting chemicals?.

Much more research is needed!.

Edited February 16, 2016 by MacK1950
grammar

[craig 5,199]

Did the article clarify "cannot be released" i.e.will the compound remain stable evermore and not be absorbed into bloodstreams if the compound becomes entrapped in living cells,as the body secretes all type of alien body fighting chemicals?.

Much more research is needed!.

 

I believe it did. Sorry, don't have the time to dig up the rebuttal article.

[pete 2,499]

Just saw how they rubber pellets jump up when someone kicks the ball. A young goalkeeper who has cancer said he had black pellets everywhere after a game. He is calling for it to be researched. Funny how almost 70% who are c;aiming it caused their cancer are goalkeepers.

[craig 5,199]

Those black pellets get EVERYWHERE. My kid comes home from games and there is a trail of them.

[MacK1950 2,249]

At Alloa this season the match ball changed colour to a dark yellow as a result of the pellets,this surely tells you something.

[Bearman 9]

Those black pellets get EVERYWHERE. My kid comes home from games and there is a trail of them.

 

Same here...I thought I had mice , so went and got myself a cat! The dog wasn't happy about that move so he decided to go for a walk himself one day and never bothered coming back! The cat has settled in nicely but the mouse droppings multiply every time the kids come in!

 

Cat loves them, saves buying food.