Comment
Safety remains a priority for the RFU and we will be
continue to be guided by World Rugby on the relevant standards for AGPs, responding appropriately to new information and/or research
“Although current evidence does not show there is any safety risk, we will continue to monitor the issue.”
The Synthetic Turf Council (STC) Rugby Football Union (RFU) Public Health England (PHE)
PHE is an executive agency, sponsored by the Department of Health. They protect and improve the nation’s health and wellbeing, and reduce health inequalities.
Their Director of the Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Dr Jill Meara, provided us with the following; “PHE is not conducting specific research into this area, but we will continue to monitor the scientific literature, including the work being undertaken by US Government Agencies on crumb rubber, and consider peer-reviewed research as it emerges and then develop specific advice if a hazard is identified.”
The RFU were kind enough to provide the following statement; “The RFU adheres to the latest independent evidence which indicates that 3G pitches in the UK, which are built to industry-standard specifications, are safe. We are guided by World Rugby Regulation 22 in this area, which stipulates the strict testing and approval process that manufacturers and installers of 3G pitches must follow for them to be approved for use in rugby.
From time to time, concerns are raised in the media as to the safety or environmental risks associated with these pitches and their constituent parts, commonly crumb rubber.
3rd generation artificial turf is recognised as a durable, safe, year-round playing surface, able to withstand regular use and all kinds of weather. It enables significant increases in sports participation, ensuring far more individuals and communities benefit from all the associated social and health benefits of physical activity.
Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA)
“250 corporate members, all of whom have a direct involvement in the development of sports and play facilities - from contractors, manufacturers and suppliers to consultants, test laboratories, sports governing bodies and related organisations.”
No response forthcoming.
Safety remains a priority for the RFU and we will be continue to be guided by World Rugby on the relevant standards for AGPs, responding appropriately to new information and/or research.
World Rugby is in contact with the Synthetic Turf Council in the USA and other relevant bodies and is monitoring developments, adopting an evidence-based approach guided by experts. We will also continue to work closely with Sport England and other sports in monitoring this area.”
Founded in 2003, the Synthetic Turf Council is a non-profit association dedicated to serving as a resource for trustworthy information about synthetic turf.
This American organisation states that it is “committed to community wellness and environmental responsibility through the use of synthetic turf, the Synthetic Turf Council is the industry’s voice for promoting the highest ethical and professional standards, education, legislative and community advocacy.”
In a position statement from 2015 on their website, they say: "Not one study out of the 51 we cite and make available on our website warns against a serious elevated human health or environmental risk from synthetic turf … not a single one. No one study will ever provide a definitive overview on every aspect of research that could be analyzed related to synthetic turf. That is the nature of scientific research; there can always be one more study and more opportunity for review.”
The statement concludes with; “All of that research provides confidence that there is no elevated human health or environmental risk from the ingestion, inhalation, or dermal contact with synthetic turf.”
Additionally, the STC website carries a statement from the Recycled Rubber Council; “The RRC has a mission to communicate, advocate and educate about the safety and beneficial uses of recycled rubber. The organization was created to serve as a resource for those that want unbiased information about recycled rubber and to be
PC APRIL/MAY 2016 I 47
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