Cancer-Stricken Goalie's Mom Wants Artificial Turf Answers

NBC ^ | 10-1-15 | Stephanie Gosk

[smokingfrog]

University of Miami athlete Austen Everett died from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2012. Her mother said it was soon after that, as she found out about even more sick players, that she came to believe that artificial turf used on soccer fields was the culprit.

"I realized, 'Oh my God, the thing that she loved most probably killed her,'" June Leahy told NBC News. "And that was hard." Leahy says since her daughter's death, she still hasn't gotten enough answers — or action from lawmakers and regulators.

[smokingfrog]

Seems like a stretch, but I guess stranger things have happened.

[tet68]

I don’t suppose it came from eating too much carpet?

[Buckeye McFrog]

Guess the GMO and vaccine people are still working to point the finger elsewhere.

[dp0622]

Not...supposed...to laugh

[Autonomous User]

“Some parents and activists, however, say there should be more testing and that federal regulators should take a position on its safety.”

In other words test test study and repeat till you find the results that fits your cause. If all else fails do what NBC does....taint the study or have Lyin Brian report on it.

[Eccl 10:2]

I’ll bet artificial turf, much like a plastic cutting board, is a breeding ground for all sorts of nasty bacteria. Who knows what constant irritations that never really heal could result from that?

[TheDon]

It is hard for some parents to move on after the death of a child. They seek some meaning in their child’s death. They want some good to come from it, however misguided.

[originalbuckeye]

Sadly, I have read about a number of young athlete deaths that have a connection to artificial turf. This ‘crumble’ does appear to have carcinogenic agents in it. And athletes are frequently down on the turf inhaling whatever has been disturbed from the turf. I do believe there should be a study, cataloging the deaths and comparing the type of ‘crumble’ used in the turf. It's the only way to learn and prevent possible harm to our kids. And if the study finds ‘no harm’, then so be it. Just don't let the ‘crumble’ makers fund the study.

[smokingfrog]

It could be a “breeding ground” especially at an indoor stadium, I would think, but outdoors probably not as much.

[smokingfrog]

Chemicals are also used to control weeds and insects in playing fields that have real grass, so I’m not sure they would be all that much safer.

[lacrew]

Most places sanitize the turf once a year, to prevent spread of staph infection.

[lacrew]

The ‘crumble’ is old tires, with the exception of some fields with a white crumble called ‘Nike Grind’ - which is the material used on the soles of shoes.

I suppose the actual inhalation of the crumble could cause a problem.

But nothing in life is risk free.

[Popman]

All the lawyers in South Florida just got a “woodie”

[WayneS]

From the article: No research has linked crumb or shredded rubber to cancer, and the turf industry says dozens of studies have shown the surface poses no health risk.

[SIRTRIS]

Looks like ACGIH doesn’t have it under study. Dang, living is dangerous!

http://www.acgih.org/tlv-bei-guidelines/documentation-publications-and-data/under-study-list

[originalbuckeye]

Follow the money. I WISH research studies would be required to be independent, but mostly whoever funds the study WILL get the result they desire.

[Larry Lucido]

"Astroturf! We know who's behind that, don't we?!"

[SaveFerris]

YES WE DO! Jerry is O’Brien!

Remember, you wrote “The fate of the world depends upon the outcome of this ‘game.’”!

[smokingfrog]

Found quite a bit of interesting info here.

http://starproject.webs.com/turffacts.htm

[SaveFerris]

It’s now Lester ‘gotta push the agenda’ Holt. I saw this, too.

They only seemed to focus on goalies. I suppose they’re pushing that they actually handle the ball more having been in contact.