Potential Dangers of Playing on Turf Fields, Especially for Young People

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, former Major League Baseball star Tug McGraw when he was asked whether he preferred grass or Astroturf: “I dunno. I never smoked any Astroturf.”

Artificial turf fields have become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly for sports like soccer, football, and lacrosse. However, there are some concerns about the potential dangers of playing on turf fields, especially for young people. Here are some of the potential risks:

1. Increased risk of injury: The harder surface of artificial turf can increase the risk of injuries like sprains, strains, and concussions. This is because the surface does not absorb impact as well as natural grass, leading to more force being transferred to the body upon impact.
2. Heat-related illness: Artificial turf can become significantly hotter than natural grass, especially in hot weather conditions. This can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses like heat stroke and dehydration, particularly for young athletes who may not be as acclimated to high heat.
3. Exposure to harmful chemicals: Some artificial turf fields are made with chemicals like lead, cadmium, and phthalates, which can be harmful if ingested or inhaled. While newer synthetic turf fields are generally considered safer than older ones, it’s important to ensure that the materials used in the turf are non-toxic.
4. Increased risk of skin abrasions: The harder surface of artificial turf can also increase the risk of skin abrasions, especially for sliding sports like soccer and baseball. This can lead to increased risk of skin infections and other skin-related injuries.
5. Potential long-term health risks: Some studies have suggested that exposure to the chemicals used in artificial turf fields may increase the risk of certain health problems over the long term, including cancer. However, more research is needed to fully understand these potential risks.

Overall, while artificial turf fields can offer some benefits, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks, especially for young people. If playing on an artificial turf field, it’s important to take steps to minimize the risk of injury and heat-related illnesses, and to ensure that the field is made with safe, non-toxic materials.