- Academics warning over rubber crumb used on artificial pitches
Artificial 3G sports pitches should be banned in Scotland because of health risks, a report has warned.
The pitches contain crumb rubber recycled from vehicle tyres and other materials that can cause cancer.
There are at least 1,000 mini and 300 full size artificial turf pitches across Scotland, which are a popular, hard-wearing playing surface. The crumb rubber infill gives the surface bounce.
Lewis Maguire’s father believes his son’s death was linked to 3G pitches
But the report by Stirling University says they should be replaced with organic materials or natural grass.
Last year, the European Commission announced a ban on crumb rubber infill from 2031, but the UK and Scotland has not yet mirrored this.
In 2016, promising County Durham footballer Lewis Maguire died from complications around surgery for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, at the age of just 18. He had fallen ill during a trial at Leeds United.
His father Nigel, who believes the cancer was caused by exposure to crumb rubber, called for the ban, saying: ‘The more I look into it, the more horrified I am.’
Some countries have already taken action, with 3G surfaces banned in Ireland and the Netherlands. Research has found chemicals in crumb rubber are carcinogenic, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons – complex organic compounds.
There are concerns that players’ close contact with the surface exposes them to the chemicals through the skin and even accidental ingestion.
The Stirling University report states: ‘Evidence on crumb rubber indicate a tougher precautionary and prevention strategy on synthetic pitches in Scotland is essential.
The rubber used on 3G artificial pitches contain materials that can cause cancer
‘A crumb rubber infill ban is required. Scotland’s 3G pitches will continue to present serious crumb rubber hazards to users and the wider environment for years unless action is taken.’
Report author Professor Andrew Watterson said: ‘We know many chemicals in the crumb are a hazard. We know it contains substances that are carcinogenic, we know they may be teratogens [that cause birth defects].
‘The Scottish Government and local authorities could act immediately and stop funding the use of crumb rubber infills in new pitches and start planning on using alternative infills, as well as increasing natural grass pitch development.’
A Scottish Government spokesman said: ‘The need for a future restriction in this area remains under review as part of annual work planning that we undertake with the UK Government and the Welsh Government.’
