For years, there have been anecdotal reports linking modern artificial turf to all matter of maladies.
But those warning cries grew louder this week following a new documentary that aired on ESPN.
Called “The Turf War”, the documentary looked at a list created by University of Washington goalkeeper coach Amy Griffin on athletes with cancer. The list now has 200 names on it, and the majority are soccer players.
While the documentary admits any link between artificial turf and cancer is anecdotal, a UBC scientist says it’s important to examine the issue.
“When we get public concern, we have a duty within the scientific community to look at some of the public concern, so we can say whether or not there is a true association,” says Dr. Trevor Dummer of the Cancer Prevention Centre.
“Two hundred cases or 100 cases or another number someone has come up with might sound like a lot, but you have to look at those numbers in relation to what numbers you get in the general population, to see if there’s any difference. So that will be the starting point.”
The City of Vancouver has ten fields that use rubber infill on their artificial turf. Until health researchers find a link, they have no plans to stop using them.
“At this time, there’s no scientific evidence,” says Vancouver Park Board spokesperson Tina Mack.
“Our next step is to monitor this closely. The park board, like all other local municiaplties, wil be calling on provioncial and canadian health authorities to follow up.”
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