Synthetic Turf Sports Fields
Setting the Environmental Record Straight on Synthetic Turf Sports Fields Target Technologies International Fights for the Industry
Having been involved with synthetic turf for over 29 years, TTII's Managing Director - John B. Giraud, has been a witness to its evolution of this ever-changing industry. Never one to back down from a good challenge, Giraud has always remained a staunch defender of the environmental merits of synthetic turf installs. After receiving a document entitled "Rochesterians against the Misuse of Pesticides (RAMP)," he felt compelled to issue statement defending the artificial turf industry.
'First of all, the majority of the report stems from the Norwegian Building Research Institute for leachates for the country of Norway," said Giraud. "I don't see any reference to US Federal or State laws when it comes to the values of leachates. I would suggest you have the individual (s) formerly submit independent lab results that prove that crumb rubber exceeds leachate values.'
Synthetic Turf is a System
Because synthetic turf sports fields operate as a system, what then is a system related to leachates? Synthetic turf sports fields are constructed to act as a filtration system. Normally most fields have specific drainage systems to move the water from the field: the sub base of the field is a layer of different aggregates while the synthetic grass and the infill all act as a filtration system. By the time the water moves a certain distance there will be little to no contamination.
Target Technologies places environmental concerns and safety as a top-priority. In addressing potential safety & hazard issues related to granulated (crumb) rubber infill products, Giraud commented: "When it comes to safety I see no value in their statements. I do agree children can bring in crumb rubber from their soles of their shoes into the house but they can also bring fertilizers from their shoes. I would suspect one can breath the harmful contaminates of fertilizers much easier than one can breathe a 10-20 mesh crumb rubber particulate."
The rubber that is used on a majority of the fields in North America is crumb rubber from recycled tires. The quality of the rubber depends on the supplier/installer. Most suppliers take the steel tread particles out during the processing or granulating of the tires. That is the single most important part of the process to make sure that no metals are in the rubber granules. Crumb rubber is basically inert so in granule form the health concerns are minimal.
Quality Infill Is Crucial
Artificial sports fields act as a cleaning/filtering mechanism for the rain that does fall on the field. Most of the articles printed on SBR rubber concerns cite the tires on roadways creating dust from the tread to asphalt wearing as a long term concern but that is limited to older roadways. Because the rubber used in fields is in granule form and installed within the fibers of the field (and constantly cleaned with rains) there really shouldn't be any health concern. Again - the quality of the rubber is different from supplier to supplier and from installer to installer. Quality control is key to making sure that the rubber is dust and metal free at installation. "Through our extensive QC program, Target Technologies strives to ensure that we deal with only top-drawer crumb suppliers," said TTII's Manager - Supply & Logistics, Lew Shrubsole. 'Quality infill is critical to good field performance & drainage.'
When it comes to the concern of silica sand infill, there is one question which must be asked: are the players really being exposed to silica? The sizing of the silica sand normally used for infields is a 20-40 mesh which is impossible to breathe in. TTII maintains very strict specifications on the silica sands; the silica particle must not be agglomerated or crushed in the processing. When it comes to silica dust the silica provided from TTII is double-washed, dried and screened to a very specific size. "I would suggest that any environmentalist that is concerned with silica dust not go to the beach," said Giraud. "There is more silica dust exposure to humans at the local beach than you will ever find on any synthetic sports field." Obviously, proper protective clothing (such as approved air-filtration masks and safety glasses) should always be worn during field installs and renovations. Construction site safety and local regulations should never be compromised.
When examining a synthetic sportsfield vs natural grass fields we find that injuries are more prevalent with natural grass. With a natural grass field there are greater imperfections with elevations, as slight as they maybe. Ball players can twist and sprain their ankles due to these imperfections. There are also fields known as "all weather fields," which are basically crushed sand or natural sand particles that are extremely dangerous during falls. With synthetic turf sports fields there is a cushioning effect that supports fewer injuries to the athlete.
Artificial Sports Fields Conserve Resources
Further on the topic of synthetic turf sports fields and the environment, there are important advantages to today's advanced field designs. For example, we aren't contaminating our ground water with fertilizers, pesticides, & operating equipment that spits toxic fumes applying fertilizers and pesticides weekly. Also, we aren't wasting a valued resource such as water on a daily basis.
When it comes to dealing with microbial issues such as bacteria and mould on synthetic turf fields, we now offer an anti-microbial product called TurfAide. Using a patented, non-leaching micro technology; TurfAide is applied to control the growth of a wide array of bacteria, mould, fungi and algae 24/7 on treated surfaces. This product has been successfully introduced to the synthetic sports field industry, and comes with a 6 year warranty for a new field application. Once the product has been applied, there is no leaching and contamination to the soil. TurfAide is a unique product in the marketplace and is not based on heavy metals or any other type of leaching technology.
Target Technologies has also recently introduced an environmental solution for the disposal of the synthetic turf fields, once their life span is complete. The disposal system is called STDF or Synthetic Turf Derivative Fuel. TTII now has in place four cement factories that utilize not only the old synthetic carpet but also the infill materials such as the crumb rubber for fuel. We now are saving the environment by not using fossil fuels which is creating global warming. The temperature of kilns exceeds 3800 degrees F which eliminates any toxic gases. This system has been approved by The Federal Environmental Protection Agency. In addition, cement plants universally take in tires for fuel - called Tire Derivative fuel (TDF.) The ultimate goal of these programs is the same: keeping scrap materials out of public landfills.
FIFA, the international football association (& one of the largest non profit organizations in the world) came forth on July 12, 2006 and has made it clear that synthetic sports systems are environmentally friendly. "I would suspect the problem with crumb rubber is the sizing of the product - too many fines and too much fiber, which lends itself to environmental problems," said Giraud. "Our company has taken the position to supply clean, well graded crumb rubber that meets and exceeds normal industry standards. There is a lot of crumb rubber that is being supplied in the industry which is sub-standard. TTII has taken great care evaluating suppliers that are capable of supplying good clean product."
In these times of great environmental change and concern, it is important to keep a critical eye on the issues that are really driving climate change. The issue of artificial turf fields being a negative influence on the environment is really one of little substance. Large areas of the nation are suffering from diminished water resources; synthetic turf sports fields are rapidly proving their merit in this regard alone. Humanity must continue to give full attention to the reduction of fossil fuel burning from automobiles, trucks and buses. It is this arena where environmentalist groups need to focus their attention.