Are Artificial Turf Fields Exposing Children to Dangerous Chemicals?

Are turf fields hazardous to children’s health?

FOX’s Alex Hein reports:

Three U.S. government agencies will team up to study whether artificial turf fields and playgrounds that use bits of recycled tires are exposing children to dangerous chemicals.

Limited studies have not shown an elevated health risk from playing on fields with the bits of recycled tires, known as tire crumb, but more comprehensive research is needed.

Artificial turf playing fields have become a popular alternative to grass fields for their durability, lower long-term cost and ease of maintenance.

U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal and Bill Nelson called on the Obama administration to conduct a comprehensive study on whether the rubber poses a health hazard.

In their letter, they cited research from a University of Washington soccer coach who found 153 reported cases of cancer involving athletes who spend significant periods of time playing on crumb rubber turf.

For more on this story, check foxnewshealth.com.

Housecall for Health, I’m Alex Hein, FOX News.