Artificial grass is very common these days, especially in sports fields. With popularity comes criticism. The latest criticism is targeted at the crumb rubber infill commonly used in artificial grass sports field installations. Parents are concerned about their kids being exposed to such rubber materials. The materials get caught in their cleats and then the children bring their cleats inside the house, where rubber supposedly shouldn't exist.
It must be said that crumb rubber is not decisively adverse. No sufficient tests have been completed. The tests that have been completed indicate that the ill health effects are not enough to cause worry. But since the tests that have been conducted weren't very rigorous, parents are still concerned because of the amount of time their children spend on the playing fields and artificial grass.
Senator Jerry Hill in California has proposed banning crumb rubber in sports fields until conclusive tests can be conducted on artificial grass rubber infill. Artificial grass sports fields can still be installed under this bill if they use crumb rubber alternatives. Crumb rubber alternatives include silica sand and organic infills.
Until more conclusive tests can be done, the controversy will have to continue. Hopefully Senator Jerry Hill's tests will offer conclusive evidence that can put this controversy to rest.