Pic: Nathan Cracknell
THE leading laboratory dedicated to the testing of sports surfaces have told The Non-League Paper that they are entirely confident no link exists between the 3G pitches used throughout grass-roots football and cancer.
Former NHS boss Nigel Maguire last week called for a government review into the use of the synthetic surfaces following his son Lewis' Hodgkin Lymphoma diagnosis.
Maguire believes being exposed to the rubber crumb pellets enhances the risks of cancer because they can contain toxic chemicals.
“Lewis would be training on this stuff once or twice a week for four or five years, and he would come back telling me how he swallowed a lot of it, how it got into his eyes, and in cuts and grazes,” Maguire told the BBC.
“You'd think if something that was licensed to be put on turf, it would be thoroughly researched. The reality is that it hasn't.”
His comments have caused huge debate within sport with a large number of football clubs also training on artificial surfaces.
Now, doctor Colin Young has revealed that Maguire's concern stems from unfounded research from America nearly a decade ago which first raised concerns.
Aspersions
Labosport, who insist their FIFA-accredited company does not revolve around plastic pitches and that they also have a vested interest in grass, have cooled health fears and say there is no proof at all that playing on 3G is a risk.
Dr Young told The NLP: “It is my belief Mr Maguire has gone online and looked at how America reacted to a case study back in 2007 and has put the two things together.
“What people should know is those so-called studies can cast aspersions. They were made from a pro-turf perspective so you are only getting their side of the story. The agenda is driven by a lack of science.
“The problem is that a link to cancer is very easy to suggest, but it is also very difficult to actually disprove.
“There has been robust product testing and all the information gathered is that there is no health risk, there is no link to prove that there is a cancer concern through the use of 3G pitches.
“Of course you cannot help but have a huge amount of sympathy with the Maguire family and you understand the need for answers but we have total confidence that you can't attach such illness with the rubber crumb.”
Dr Young's view is also shared by the Football Asssociation, who confirmed their backing for 3G?pitches in a statement released on Friday.
It read: “The FA adheres to the latest independent evidence that indicates that 3G pitches in the UK, which are built to industry-standard specifications, are safe.
“From time-to-time, concerns are raised in the media as to the safety or environmental risks associated with these pitches and their constituent parts, commonly crumb rubber.
“Third generation artificial turf is recognised as a durable, safe, year-round playing surface, able to withstand regular use and all kinds of weather.”
