Are 3G pitches as safe as we think?

Add as preferred source on Google

Artificial grass, artificial turf, astro turf, 3G pitches. Whatever you want to call it, this stuff has revolutionised the world of football in the past 20 years.

Embed from Getty Images

With its long, lush carpet features, it is almost as good as real grass. Some would say that it is even better – it plays evenly, doesn’t wear into a mud bath, and is relatively maintenance free once it has been installed.

There are 610 3G Football Turf pitches registered for the 2015/2016 season, with more teams expected to register. However, since teams first started to make the transformation from grass pitches to the plastic pitches back in the 1980s, there has been much speculation and debates over if this was the right thing to do.

Are artificial grass pitches fit for professional football matches? It is a topic hotly debated by fans for the newer artificial pitches and the nostalgic fans of the grass pitches. Are the 3G pitches a good set-up for professional games? Have they brought benefits to football and its players beyond those of a natural grass pitch?

In an article run by The PFA in 2014, they voiced their concern regarding the return of these pitches to the Football League. The FA Assistant Chief Executive at the time, Simon Baker, stated: “In my opinion artificial pitches should not return to elite level professional football, which the Football League is.”

Embed from Getty Images

He also went on to say that although he understands that there have been many advancements in technology of 3G pitches, there has also been many advancements regarding grass pitches and thought that they were of better quality as well as better for players.

This brings into question how sufficient these pitches are for professional football matches.

More recently, there have been reports claiming that there is a link between 3G pitches and cancer. Research conducted by a former USA international player claims that artificial pitches that contain ‘crumb rubber’ could increase the risk of cancer.

The report goes on to explain that the rubber substances scattered around the 3G pitches, which already annoys players, contain toxic chemicals including mercury, lead, benzene and arsenic, which when ingested can increase the risk of cancer.

The fear is that players – particularly goalkeepers – could accidentally swallow the substance when diving, while the rubber could also become lodged in cuts and grazes.

However, the FA are aware of the concerns in the US and insist that “3G pitches in the UK which are built to industry-standard specifications are safe.” So, too, do the Sports and Play Construction Association (SAPCA). They represent 230 UK companies that are involved in the various aspects of playing surface construction. In a statement to Telegraph Sport, the SAPCA said:

“There have been numerous research studies carried out worldwide on the use of rubber crumb in sports pitches to assess any potential health impact. The current consensus from those studies is that the rubber crumb poses no significant health risk.”

However, there are still many people who would happily get rid of these pitches. But would that be entirely fair?

Embed from Getty Images

Today’s modern 3G pitches are miles better than artificial pitches we’ve previously had. They’re cheaper to maintain and can be hired out, as well as being as close to grass as you can get.

English manager Joe Royle, has said: “They have a place in the game, all the early taboos have been laid to rest. It makes sense for clubs who are struggling and it certainly saves on training facilities.”

“I have seen so many grass pitches that aren’t a patch on synthetic pitches, so I don’t see what the problem is.”

The hope is that these pitches will help and not hinder games and players, but only time will tell if this proves to be so as the debate between natural or artificial pitches continues.

Featured Image: All rights reserved by University of Derby