All articles tagged with #artificial turf
New research from Northeastern University reveals that crumb rubber, used in artificial turf and made from recycled tires, decays into hundreds of potentially hazardous chemicals when exposed to sunlight and natural conditions, raising concerns about human health and environmental safety.
NFL Players Association members are advocating for natural grass fields due to concerns about injuries, general soreness, and burns associated with artificial turf. Studies have shown higher injury rates on turf compared to natural grass, and there are also concerns about potential health risks from the chemicals in artificial turf. Despite the push for natural grass, the NFL has been slow to make the switch, while other sports organizations like FIFA mandate natural grass for high-level matches.
The Minnesota Vikings will replace the silt-film turf at U.S. Bank Stadium with a monofilament version called Act Global Xtreme Turf DX, following concerns about increased injuries associated with the current turf. The $1.3 million project will also include installing the same turf at the team's practice facility and is expected to be completed by 2024.
The Minnesota Vikings' U.S. Bank Stadium will replace its current artificial turf with a version that rates better in injury data. The decision comes after the slit-film turf was associated with a high rate of lower extremity noncontact injuries. The new monofilament surface, called Act Global Xtreme Turf DX, will be installed in time for the 2024 season. The Vikings were involved in selecting the winning bid, prioritizing player health and safety. The Indianapolis Colts and Cincinnati Bengals also plan to change their turf in 2024.
Veterinarians in the United Kingdom are warning pet owners about the dangers of artificial turf during hot summer months. The superheated surface can burn paw pads and increase the risk of sunstroke for cats and dogs. Pet owners are advised to test the temperature of the artificial grass with their hand and take caution if it is too hot to hold for seven seconds. Early signs of sunstroke in pets include panting, restlessness, drooling, and increased heart rate. Owners should provide wet, cool towels and water to help cool their pets down, and seek veterinary care if necessary. The prevalence of artificial turf is concerning due to its contribution to environmental toxins and potential health hazards.
Buffalo Bills players expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of the artificial turf at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium after several players suffered injuries during their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. While not all injuries were turf-related, players voiced concerns about the surface, with one calling it "terrible." The Bills' nickelback, Taron Johnson, described getting his foot stuck in the ground and expressed relief that his injury wasn't more severe. Despite the complaints, the Bills emphasized that they were not using the turf as an excuse for their loss.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes expressed support for Aaron Rodgers after the Green Bay Packers quarterback suffered a season-ending ruptured Achilles tendon. Mahomes, who has never faced Rodgers in a game, wished him a speedy recovery and emphasized the importance of playing teams at their best. The possibility of a future matchup between the two quarterbacks remains uncertain. In the aftermath of Rodgers' injury, there have been renewed calls for natural grass playing surfaces, with Mahomes and the NFL Players' Association's executive director expressing preference for grass due to its perceived health benefits. Chiefs' head coach Andy Reid, however, remained neutral on the grass versus turf debate.
The controversy over playing on artificial turf versus grass in the NFL has been reignited after Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles injury on the synthetic surface at MetLife Stadium. Rodgers' former teammate David Bakhtiari criticized the NFL for prioritizing soccer players over football players and called for the removal of artificial turf. The NFL Players Association has long advocated for natural grass fields, citing injury data and player preferences. The NFL claims there is no significant difference in injury rates between the two surfaces. The debate extends beyond the NFL, with studies showing lower injury incidences in soccer on artificial turf compared to grass.
Noncontact injuries for NFL players occurred at a higher rate on artificial turf compared to grass during the 2022 regular season, according to data released this week by the NFL Players Association. Players have long said they prefer grass over artificial turf, arguing it was not only safer but also that it feels better to play on. The NFL and NFLPA should try to decrease injuries on both surfaces.