Artificial Turf & Asthma

Exposure to volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) found in artificial turf could be linked to increased respiratory problems and asthma. Artificial turf, made up of ground-up recycled rubber tires, is commonly laid over grass and packed between green plastic to simulate real grass. This artificial turf makes up athletic fields, often found at school playgrounds or athletic training facilities. In the right conditions, VOCs can be released into the air and inhaled or ingested.

Weather Conditions

• The release of VOCs is greatest in hot, sunny weather. According to the Connecticut Department of Health, "Particle release is expected to be affected by the number of athletes using the field at any given time, their body weight and the intensity of their exercise. Weather conditions such as temperature gradients and wind will affect gas and particle concentrations in the breathing zone of athletes; in general this is 3-6 feet above the surface."

Composition

• According to the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station report, several dangerous compounds were found present in artificial turf rubber crumbs. These compounds were analyzed using a method called Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Four compounds in particular were isolated as being the most toxic: benzothiazole; butylated hydroxyanisole; n-hexadecane; and 4-(t-octyl) phenol. Some of these compounds, along with two dozen other chemicals found in the turf, can act as respiratory irritants. However, the report concludes that "[m]any, if not most, of the compounds present in tire crumbs and shreds have been incompletely tested for human health effects."

Health Risks

• Athletes using fields lined with artificial turf, many of whom are school-aged children, are at highest risk for exposure. One of the main health risks is respiratory irritation and inducement of an asthma attack. According to Environment Health and Human, Inc, additional health risks include severe irritation of the skin, eyes and mucous membranes; systemic effects of kidney and liver; neurotoxic responses; cancers; allergic reactions; and developmental defects.

Studies

• Various studies have been conducted to find out if artificial turf is a health hazard. However, many of these studies are inconclusive.

  The KEMI Swedish Chemicals Agency conducted a report from a chemical perspective. After analyzing all of the materials in tires which comprise more than 60 different compounds, the agency made the recommendation to not use rubber granules from recycled tires in artificial turf.

  In the Norwegian Institute of Public Health Study, the Norwegian government measured the air levels of chemicals by assessing indoor turf fields. According to the findings, "... the study was limited by the absence of necessary toxicity data, it showed a potential for exposures and assessment of the level of risk."

  The report entitled "Artificial Turf," published by Environment and Human Health, Inc, identifies a need for additional studies, especially because many data gaps need to be filled. According to the study "... there will be human exposures to chemicals released during the use of synthetic turf fields."

Recommendations

• Though it may be impossible to always avoid artificial turf, those suffering from asthma or allergies should be careful when exposed to fields or playgrounds containing ground-up rubber tires.

  Asthmatics should always carry a rescue inhaler. This type of inhaler is prescribed by a doctor and will act quickly to open the airway and relieve shortness of breath.

  For parents, it may be useful to find out if your child's school is using artificial turf, and if so, monitor the weather for hot conditions, which can bring on asthma attacks.