I would like to address the issues raised in the recent letter titled "Reader Expresses Concern About Planned Turf Field." Several claims were made by the author that are simply unfounded.Reports surrounding the environmental safety of artificial turf may, on the surface, be alarming. However, simply put, artificial turf is safe and the science is there to prove it. Volumes of research and testing from academics, federal and state governments like California, Massachusetts and Connecticut, and school systems have examined everything called into question about synthetic turf. Synthetic turf is, and has always been safe.
The trend to move to artificial turf (specifically FieldTurf) has never been stronger in professional and collegiate sports. Almost all NFL teams either play or practice on artificial turf and over 100 NCAA 1-A football programs play their home games on FieldTurf. Just turn on your television and you’ll see teams like the New England Patriots, New York Giants and Jets, Ohio State University and University of Oregon all playing their home games on FieldTurf.
With respect to player injuries, a study from Dr. Michael C. Meyers of the Department of Health and Human Development at Montana State University has confirmed that, in many cases, FieldTurf is safer than natural grass sports surfaces. The research evaluated 786 college football games over a 5-year span for football injuries sustained while playing on FieldTurf or natural grass. The study was peer-reviewed and published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine.
We are happy to share any of the research and support all of the claims that we make. Feel free to reach out to me directly should you have any questions at dgill@fieldturf.com or 800-724-2969 x-140.
