MONTREAL, Aug. 7, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Recently, the State of New York Department of Health released a "Fact Sheet" related to "Crumb-Rubber infilled synthetic turf athletic fields." The report confirms that artificial turf infilled with crumb rubber is indeed safe and validates the hundreds of currently available studies on this issue.
According to the report, "The fact sheet was developed to assist people in making decisions about installing or using this kind of synthetic turf athletic field."
The NYSDOH fact sheet looked at 5 key categories;
* Injury * Infection * Latex allergy * Chemical exposure * Heat stress
The NYSDOH report concluded;
* No consistent differences in injury rates between natural and crumb-rubber infilled synthetic turf. * Data does not suggest the widespread presence of infectious agents, such as MRSA, on synthetic turf fields. * Synthetic turf surfaces are no more likely to harbor infectious agents than other surfaces in those same environments. * Investigations have not identified playing fields, either natural or synthetic, as likely to increase the risk of transmitting infections. * NYSDOH is unaware of any occurrences of latex allergy associated with contact with crumb rubber or synthetic turf fields. * Health risks to children resulting from the ingestion of crumb rubber are low. * Adverse health effects from dermal exposures to crumb rubber or from inhalation exposures to organic chemicals released from the fields are unlikely. * The concentrations of organic compounds emitted did not pose a health concern for athletes, officials or spectators. * Ingestion, dermal or inhalation exposures to chemicals in or released from crumb rubber do not pose a significant public health concern. * While synthetic turf fields can potentially reach temperatures that may contribute to heat stress, watering a field can reduce temperatures. The report stated, "At the present time, NYSDOH is unaware of any studies that have examined the role of synthetic turf in contributing to heat stress or that have compared the occurrence of heat stress among athletes playing on natural turf and synthetic turf."
Additionally, the NYSDOH commented that, "Synthetic turf is more durable than natural turf and can be used without the rest periods that natural turf requires to keep the turf healthy. The New York City Department of Parks and Recreation (NYCDPR) estimates that on an annual basis, permitted use (hours per year) for synthetic turf athletic fields is 28 percent higher than for natural grass fields."
"We see our sports surfaces as part of the world's eco-system," said FieldTurf Tarkett CEO, Joe Fields. "Our 2700 quality surfaces have been developed, produced and installed with a commitment to the environment and to the safety and enjoyment of all those who use them. The NYSDOH findings provide conclusive validation of the safety of FieldTurf's products."
For a complete version of the Fact Sheet visit: http://www.nyhealth.gov/environmental/outdoors/synthetic_turf/crumb-rubber_infilled/fact_sheet.htm
The installation of FieldTurf eliminates the use of harmful pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides and fungicides, while at the same time removes thousands of tires from landfill sites. FieldTurf requires no mowing, fertilizing, or reseeding, or watering. FieldTurf helps organizations earn the necessary points needed for U.S. Green Building Council LEED certification. FieldTurf's reused rubber content and water use reduction, among other factors, can contribute numerous points towards LEED certification.
With over 2700 installations in almost 50 countries, FieldTurf Tarkett is the largest entity in the sports surfacing industry and provides unparalleled leasing capabilities, engineering and manufacturing resources. In addition to its world-renowned FieldTurf and Prestige brands of artificial turf, FieldTurf Tarkett provides an equally impressive range of products that includes synthetic and hardwood basketball, volleyball and gymnasium flooring, squash and racquetball courts, floor protection and covering systems and weight room flooring. Also in the range of FieldTurf Tarkett products are indoor and outdoor running tracks, including the high performance 'Le Monde' track system, playground surfacing and a complete range of tennis and golf surfaces. For more information on FieldTurf, please visit www.fieldturf.com