In the realm of professional football, the artificial turf gracing NFL stadiums isn't just a surface for the game. It involves a complex composition, and one significant element is the presence of tiny pellets made from crushed rubber. FieldTurf, a prominent name in the industry, incorporates these rubber pellets to maintain a soft ground above a concrete layer. However, a peculiar incident during a Buffalo Bills game sheds light on a less-discussed aspect of this synthetic turf.
Snow Plows Uncover More Than Snow
During halftime of a memorable game, the Buffalo Bills faced not only the task of clearing snow from their field but also the unexpected challenge of dealing with the rubber pellets embedded in the synthetic grass. As plows pushed snow across the turf, they inadvertently piled up substantial amounts of these rubber pellets in the end zones.
Workers rushed to the end zones, equipped with snow blowers and shovels, not just to clear the snow but also to address the potentially hazardous aftermath of the plowing. The scene unfolded as employees diligently worked to remove the rubber pellets from the playing surface, highlighting a seldom-discussed consequence of artificial turf maintenance.
The Composition: Crumb Rubber from Recycled Tires
The rubber pellets, intricately woven into the synthetic grass, are predominantly made from recycled car tires, commonly referred to as crumb rubber. While the sustainability aspect is commendable, recent scrutiny has cast a shadow over this material. Concerns have been raised about its potential connection to lymphoma and other forms of cancer.
This issue becomes especially pertinent for athletes who spend a considerable amount of time on these turfs, with soccer players being notably affected. The Buffalo Bills incident brings forth a local manifestation of the broader debate surrounding the safety of crumb rubber in artificial turfs.
Addressing Health Concerns
The presence of rubber pellets on the playing field raises questions about the long-term health implications for athletes. As concerns about a potential link to cancer gain traction, the need for comprehensive research and transparent discussions becomes imperative. Athletes, sports organizations, and turf manufacturers must collaboratively address these concerns to ensure the well-being of those engaging in sports on artificial surfaces.
Conclusion
While the Buffalo Bills' snow plowing incident may have seemed like an isolated inconvenience, it unveils a deeper conversation about the materials used in NFL stadiums' artificial turfs. The intertwined relationship between synthetic grass and recycled rubber pellets demands a closer examination, especially in light of health concerns. As discussions surrounding the safety of crumb rubber gain momentum, it is crucial for the sports community to prioritize player well-being and actively engage in finding alternative, safer turf solutions.
FAQs
It remains true that crumb rubber is an important component in quality artificial turf. One of the biggest advantages artificial turf has over natural grass is its safety in regards to preventing injuries — the rubber infill helps tremendously in cushioning the impact of players hitting the ground.
What is the problem with turf fields in the NFL? ›
In summary, they found that there are "a higher rate of foot and ankle injuries on artificial turf compared with natural grass on both old- and new-generation turf," and that "elite-level football athletes" were more predisposed to knee injuries on synthetic turf.
What is the rubber under artificial turf? ›
What is crumb rubber? The rubber on turf fields is usually crumb rubber, an infill for artificial turf that's used to create cushion and keep the field ready for activity. It is created from ground-up recycled tires and is the most economical infill option you will find.
Why is the NFL banning turf? ›
NFLPA president JC Tretter called for a ban on slit-film turf, citing safety concerns. Field-related issues: Plenty with the old turf, which had been the subject of multiple complaints, including by the San Francisco 49ers after five players suffered lower-body injuries in the same game during the 2020 season.
What is the black rubber in turf fields? ›
A new artificial turf system was developed in the early 2000s based on "crumb rubber." The black crumbs are small pieces of styrene-butadiene rubber made from grinding up old vehicle tires. The tire crumbs are poured in between the artificial grass blades, giving the artificial fields more cushion and support.
Is rubber crumb toxic? ›
As mentioned previously, the chemicals in rubber crumb are 100-1,000 times more toxic than in articles, therefore the chemicals released to our EU environment will be equivalent to that in 144,000,000 -1,440,000,000 tonnes of plastic articles.
Which NFL field causes the most injuries? ›
MetLife Stadium in New York has seen 17 very serious injuries in just three seasons. Artificial grass could be one of the main causes.
Do any NFL fields have real grass? ›
The Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers are two franchises that have stadiums in cold-weather climates, but also cultivate natural grass fields in both Lambeau and Heinz Field. Arizona and Las Vegas also avoid artificial turf, even with their indoor stadiums, and use Bermuda grass.
Do NFL players prefer grass or turf? ›
An NFLPA survey revealed that 92% of players prefer to play on high-quality grass, 6% percent were indifferent between grass and synthetic turf, and most of the 2% who prefer synthetic turf are kickers. "Grass fields have a lower injury rate," Howell said.
What are the hazards of artificial turf? ›
Carcinogens including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Latex and other rubbers which can cause allergic reactions. Phthalates which have adverse effects on the reproductive organs, lungs, kidneys and liver. Crumb rubber can degrade from weather and microbes, producing new chemicals.
Artificial turf can be installed on old concrete, block paving, and even paving slabs. You can lay it directly on the concrete with nothing between the turf and concrete, but you still need to anchor it to the ground with turf glue or seam tape. Just remember that the turf won't be soft without an underlay.
What goes under artificial turf on a football field? ›
Drainstone serves as the crucial, solid foundation for any turf field. The stone is free draining and must allow for a high degree of water migration, yet still exhibit excellent stability.
Why is turf worse than grass? ›
The studies suggest “a higher rate of foot and ankle injuries on artificial turf, both old-generation and new-generation turf, compared to natural grass,” they wrote in a paper published last year in the American Journal of Sports Medicine. Knee and hip injuries were similar on both surfaces, they wrote.
Is the Chiefs field heated? ›
On the Peaco*ck broadcast, Kaylee Hartung reports that Arrowhead Stadium has a heating system that makes the conditions a little easier — for players, at least. Thousands of feet of piping beneath the field are pumping heat to keep the ground from freezing. The Chiefs installed the $2.2 million heating system in 2016.
Why is there no Gatorade on turf field? ›
Acidic beverages, condiments, and oily foods can stain and prematurely break down courts and turf materials. Even electrolyte beverages like Gatorade can damage surface integrity.
Why are there black pellets on turf? ›
Turf fields have three main layers. The top layer consists of plastic blades that simulate the look of regular grass, the second layer is black turf pellets that support the plastic grass and help provide cushion and support, and the bottom layer of carpet helps with drainage (Cheng et al., 2014).
Does all artificial turf have crumb rubber? ›
Artificial turf or 'synthetic turf' is made of plastic blades of grass, backing material to hold the blades, and infill (usually crumb rubber that helps support the blades). Crumb rubber infill is estimated to be about 90% of the weight of fields, thus forming the vast majority of the playing surface.
What do the beads do in turf? ›
The beads in an artificial turf field are typically small, granular infill materials made from various materials such as rubber or sand. These infill beads are spread across the artificial turf surface to provide stability, cushioning, and support for the artificial grass blades.
Is rubber in turf toxic? ›
Related Links. Concerns have been raised by the public about the potential health risks from playing on synthetic turf fields in the U.S. containing tire crumb rubber. Studies to date have not shown an elevated health risk from playing on fields with tire crumb rubber, but the existing studies have been limited.
