An Absence of Evidence is not Evidence of Absence: UK efforts to raise awareness continue

December 5, 2016

Tracey Crouch MP

Minister for Sport

4^th Floor

100 Parliament Street

London SW1 2BQ

Dear Tracey,

Re: 3G Crumb Rubber Artificial Pitches

Thank you for your response to Jenny Chapman MP (letters dated25/3/16 and 21/11/16) which I received on 28^th November regarding my concerns over potential links between 3G Crumb Rubber Artificial Pitches and Cancer.

In these letters, you clearly state that the pitches ‘are safe’ and that ‘this is based on the numerous scientific studies conducted by government agencies around the world, and undertaken by independent experts, who have all validated the human and environmental safety of 3G pitches and crumb rubber.’ I believe that such a strongly worded statement defending the safety of these surfaces is at best ill-advised.

I fully understand that you do not have sufficient time to read the literature on the safety of 3G in detail but I would expect you to ensure your civil servants do; given the potential gravity of the concerns and complete lack of answers to the questions of long term exposure. I would hope however, that in the light of the recent Dutch TV documentary by Zembla ( with English subtitles http://zembla.vara.nl/dossier/uitzending/dangerous-play ) and the response by the Dutch Government and Football Clubs, you may take the opportunity to acquaint yourself with these concerns and ask some questions of your department, the FA and indeed Sport England etc.

A subsequent random analysis of 60 3G pitches in Holland, showed high levels of carcinogens and toxins, up to six times higher than would be allowed if it were classified as a consumer product. more than 100 clubs have now decided to ban youth teams from playing on them.  

I have listed below several interesting articles and research into possible links between Crumb Rubber and Cancer. I have also included a paper from WHOs International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) into the increased cancer rates (in particular Lymphoma and Leukaemia) of workers in the rubber tyre industry. Here they conclude: 'Occupational exposures in the rubber-manufacturing industry are carcinogenic to humans.' Given this link I do not think it is such a great leap of faith to think that long term exposure to car tyres in the form of Crumb Rubber could be linked in some way to ill health in children who play on this day in and day out.

WHO IARC report into Rubber Industry:

http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/vol100F/mono100F-36.pdf

Occupational Exposures in the Rubber Manufacturing Industry

36.pd f http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1757501/

Crumb Rubber studies and reports that raise concern by South Lakes Turf. Listed here are several studies that raise concern of the links with the compounds in Crumb Rubber and ill health.

http://southlakesturf.org/?page_id=86

School of Public Health at the University of California identifies a direct link between exposure to Benzene and Lymphoma and concludes there is no safe limit - especially for children.

http://www.lymphomahelp.org/SolventsReportEditedSJO.pdf

Occupational Cancer. Helpful summary of associations between chemicals/industries and cancer:

http://www.haz-map.com/cancer.htm

Mount Sinai, Children's Environmental Health Center. Artificial Turf. A health based consumer guide (Attached).

Center for Environmental Health paper ’A cocktail of artificial chemicals in artificial turf.'

http://www.ceh.org/get-involved/take-action/a-cocktail-of-harmful-chemicals-in-artificial-turf-infill/

US Environment Protection Agency Literature Review 2015:

https://www.epa.gov/chemical-research/tire-crumb-and-synthetic-turf-field-literature-and-report-list-nov-2015

US Paediatricians expressing concern over Crumb Rubber and health risks to children:

http://www.turfgrasssod.org/publisher/hot-topics/2012/12/20/children-and-synthetic-turf-health-experts-discuss-childrens-health-and-artificial-playing-surfaces

Letizia Marseli 2014. Siena University. Release of PAHs and heavy metals in synthetic turf:

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Letizia_Marsili/publication/275581397_Release_of_Polycyclic_Aromatic_Hydrocarbons_and_Heavy_Metals_from_Rubber_Crump_in_Synthetic_Turf_Fields_Preliminary_Assessment_for_Athletes/links/553fa17b0cf2320416eacd2b.pdf

Extensive research database on synthetic turf with numerous articles/research expressing concerns:

http://www.synturf.org/home.html

Maria Llompart et al. Chemosphere. ‘Hazardous organic chemicals in rubber recycled tire playgrounds and pavers.'

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0045653512009848?via%3Dihub

O Ecotextiles article with extensive literature references:

https://oecotextiles.wordpress.com/2014/11/19/another-concern-for-vigilant-parents/

Pitchcare article referencing concerning research into nano particles/carbon black:

https://www.pitchcare.com/magazine/is-artificial-turf-hiding-an-800-pound-gorilla.html

Scientific American article reviewing latest research concerning carbon nanotubes:

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/carbon-nanotube-danger/

List of studies and research from Toxic Turf:

http://notoxicturf.ca/articles/

It strikes me that there are five key questions – two of which have been answered beyond reasonable doubt and three that we just do not have the answers for. The ones that have been answered are:

1. Does Crumb Rubber contain chemicals known to cause cancer or ill health? Answer Yes.

2. Does it also contain other chemicals that could cause cancer or ill health? Answer Yes.

The three key questions that I do not believe we have the full answers are:

3. Can these chemicals escape from the rubber, either into the air or through skin or ingestion? Unknown.

4. If so are they at sufficiently high levels to cause cancer? Unknown.

5. Is there an increased incidence of cancer in people exposed to crumb rubber when compared to the general population? Unknown.

As is often quoted in these circumstances: ‘An Absence of Evidence is not Evidence of Absence.’

The list of carcinogens that often appear in all components of 3G Pitches is enormous. For example, studies have demonstrated that the following compounds (including known carcinogens) have been found in and around 3G pitches: lead, benzothiazole, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, carbon black, crystalline silica, cadmium, fungicides, pesticides, microbiocides, mercury to name just a few. In regards to lead, we know that there is no safe exposure level for children. Nonetheless, the industry openly admits that lead remains in its products. It should be noted that many carcinogens are known to have synergistic interactions, thereby exponentially increasing one’s risk of developing cancer, as opposed to being exposed to a single carcinogen.

 The study undertaken in Holland (Joost G.M.van Rooij et al 2010) which looked at levels of toxins in urine of football players and is the only current study that investigates actual uptake in the body and is widely used by the FA and Sport England, has been thoroughly discredited by experts.

My son Lewis (who was on trials at Leeds United at the time of first diagnosis in 2013) played two to three times a week on 3G Pitches as a goalkeeper.  Particularly during training sessions, he would be exposed to the Crumb Rubber in a number of ways. This included breathing in vapours (particularly on warmer days), swallowing the granules on a frequent basis, smaller particles getting in his eyes and exposure through cuts and grazes (which carry a high risk on these surfaces). From birth and throughout adolescents it is widely recognised that children have a higher risk from exposure to toxins and carcinogens and it is this that I am most concerned about. You may be aware of the register that Amy Griffin (former US Goalkeeper and currently coach at Washington State University) has kept for a few years. This register has in excess of 150 soccer players who were diagnosed with cancer/leukaemia and played regularly on 3G pitches. The striking observation however is that more than a hundred were goalkeepers. It is this close and regular contact with the surface that concerns me the most and at a very minimum should stop forthwith.

Sadly, what I see unfolding, here in the UK, bears striking similarities to previous health related catastrophes including tobacco, asbestos, thalidomide etc. whereby deceptive market practices, industry funded junk science  put profit and reputation before consumer health and safety. Fortunately, as I am sure you will be aware, in the US the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Center for Disease Control (CDC) are currently investigating the toxicity of 3G pitches and are due to report preliminary finding early next year. In addition, The European Chemicals Agency (ECHI) are undertaking a research and literature review and the Dutch Minister for Health, Welfare and Sport has commissioned the Dutch National Institute for Public Health to undertake a review. Unfortunately, we may not know for several years, or indeed decades, whether there is a causal link between 3G Pitches and cancers; as this can realistically only be done through epidemiological studies.

Consequently, given what we know about the toxic chemicals and carcinogens in Crumb Rubber and the absence of hard data I would urge you as Minister for Sport to consider the precautionary principle to the growing concerns over the possible links to ill health and consider the following:

1.     Have an immediate moratorium on the building of 3G Crumb Rubber Artificial Pitches.

2.     Commission Public Health England to work closely with the Dutch authorities and undertake a review of all current research and literature and conduct a risk assessment.

3.     Issue guidelines for sports governing bodies to minimise potential risks of exposure. For example, by restricting time spent by goalkeepers training and ensuring children shower immediately after playing.

As recently quoted by James Ferraro (The Ferraro Law Firm in the US) in his letter (dated 1/12/16), to educational authorities in Martha’s Vineyard and writing in his capacity as a concerned local resident:

“Throughout my experience in mass tort litigation, I often wonder: what if the industry players (manufacturers and premise owners) could step back in time and reassess their decisions to purchase and/or use toxic substances (i.e.asbestos)? For synthetic turf industry participants that time is right now.”

 I sincerely hope that you give this matter your full consideration and take the time to at the very least watch the Dutch documentary before you respond to this letter.

Thank you for your time. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Nigel Maguire

cc. Jenny Chapman MP

 

 

On Martha's Vineyard: The synthetic turf industry bears striking similarities to mass tort catastrophes

see also:

On Crumb Rubber Moratoriums: is there "fiscal liability" ?

http://turfgrassforum.blogspot.com/2016/06/on-crumb-rubber-moratoriums-is-there.html

Framingham High School's synthetic field at center of football crisis

https://www.fox25boston.com/news/framingham-high-schools-synthetic-field-at-center-of-football-crisis/431162912

Aug 28, 2016

FRAMINGHAM, Mass. - The Framingham High School Football team’s season is on hold after a bizarre rash of injuries at practice last week.

Several players reportedly suffered blisters after a drill that involved putting their hands on the school’s synthetic field – which was apparently very hot.

But is that what’s to blame for the injuries?

In 2015, Tracy Stewart raised concerns about excessive heat given off by synthetic fields in Medway.

“I know there’s now products coming out to put in your shoes to shield the heat from the bottom of your feet,” Stewart explained. “If that's something we have to do as a protective piece of equipment for our children then something's wrong.”

In fact, after studying the issue, Medway's board of health voted last year to require warning signs at its synthetic fields.

One of the board members at the time was Jordan Warnick, a retired professor of pharmacology.

“It clearly shows that there is a heat problem on these fields,” he said. “And they should not be played on or practiced on when that temperature is exceeded.”

The signs in Medway read, "These fields are hotter than natural grass!"

That’s to say the least.

We used a heat gun to measure the surface temperature of the synthetic field. On a day when it was about 80 degrees out, the field approached 150 degrees.

Possible heat issue aside, Framingham High's synthetic field is in sorry shape.

A source told FOX25 it's about 15 years old and the school has been trying for three years to get the funds for a replacement.

Sunday morning, Framingham’s football players gathered at the field to rally behind their coaches -- who were reportedly placed on administrative leave. 

Late Sunday, the Framingham public school district sent the following statement:

Framingham Public Schools wants to clarify the on-going investigation into the events of the Framingham High School football practice on August 25th that resulted in injuries to some of our student-athletes. It is standard operating procedure of this district to review any incident that results in student injuries. Our first priority, as always, is to do our best to ensure the safety of students in our care. Given the size and scope of this incident, where there were a number of students and adults involved, we decided it was prudent to cease football activities in order to collect relative information objectively and expediently. Placing staff members on administrative leave is part of this process and should not be deemed as a punitive measure; the goal is to ascertain the facts surrounding an event before reaching any judgment. We are working to complete our investigation in an appropriate and timely fashion in order to draw accurate conclusions. While we are cognizant of the momentary disruption to the football team’s preparation for the upcoming season, the safety of our student-athletes, as well as the rights of our employees, necessitates a modicum of patience while we navigate the remaining steps in the investigation. Any additional pertinent information from our investigation will be shared as is deemed appropriate.

© 2018 Cox Media Group.

Toxic Use Reduction Institute on Artificial Turf

From Toxic Use Reduction Institute 

Artificial Turf
Sports Turf
Municipalities, universities, schools and other institutions frequently need to make decisions about maintenance and installation of athletic playing fields. This may include choosing between natural grass and synthetic turf. This information sheet introduces some of the considerations that are relevant to evaluating natural grass and artificial turf alternatives, including performance, safety, cost, and potential environmental and health impacts. More detailed information all these topics will be available in the Sports Turf Alternatives Assessment.
Read the Fact Sheet.(also found below)
Sports Turf Alternatives Assessment: Preliminary Results
TURI conducts alternatives assessments as part of its overall mission to help Massachusetts companies, communities, and municipalities identify and implement toxics use reduction options that will provide safer solutions to the use of toxic chemicals. 
TURI has received numerous requests for information about artificial turf fields as an alternative to natural grass fields. In response, TURI is developing an alternatives assessment for sports turf. Preliminary sections of the assessment are being published in the order in which they are completed.
Read the Introduction.
The TURI Library’s Artificial Turf resource guide provides links to reports, articles and press reports related to artificial turf.

Go to: http://www.turi.org/Our_Work/Home_Community/Artificial_Turf for more information

Dietrich: Support moratorium on crumb rubber fields

June 07. 2016 11:15PM
 

Residents of Medway will have an opportunity to vote at a special Town Meeting on June 9 whether to issue a moratorium on the use of tire-derived crumb rubber for the next three years. But what exactly does that mean? As a citizen who participated in the petition to bring this issue to a vote, I admit that I did not have much background on the subject of artificial turf and the materials used a few months ago. Since that time, I have done some reading. A lot of reading, actually. And what I have learned has given me pause.
Bear with me as we run through a brief history. For decades, our country has faced a growing challenge with a rather mundane problem: what do we do with all the old tires that no one needs anymore? In all honesty, I found it somewhat surprising that no one saw this coming. Everyone who drives a car has to replace the tires at least once, sometimes multiple times, in the life of the car. Did no one think about where those old tires would go? Apparently not, because they began piling up in disturbing quantities in landfills all across the nation. In an effort to address this issue, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) supported the grinding up of these tires into crumb rubber to be recycled in a variety of ways, including on athletic fields and playgrounds.
Everything was going well, until concerns began to surface about the toxicity of the crumb rubber. Suddenly the solution to the landfill problem raised another serious question: are there health risks associated with tire crumb? Cases of blood cancers and health problems started cropping up among otherwise healthy athletes who played on this tire-derived crumb rubber. Ultimately, the EPA withdrew its previous endorsement of tire crumb in light of increasing concerns that its safety had not yet been adequately studied.
Hang in there with me – the history lesson is almost over. On February 12, 2016, the EPA entered into a three-year action plan in partnership with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to study key environmental human health questions related to tire crumb.
In case I lost you, here’s the short version: the EPA previously endorsed the use of tire crumb as a partial solution to the significant problem of scrap tires piling up in landfills; they have since reversed this position, and will be partnering with other federal agencies to study what impact tire crumb has on human health.
Does this mean that tire crumb is harmful? We don’t know. That’s actually the point – no one knows. The study has only just begun, and it will likely take many years before we have more information on the health impacts of crumb rubber.
In the meantime, I urge Medway residents to mirror the actions of the EPA, CDC and CPSC, and vote not to use tire-derived crumb rubber on any new surfaces or fields on town land for the next three years while these agencies complete their research. Town officials have repeatedly assured residents that there are no plans to construct any new fields or surfaces using tire crumb, so a “yes” vote on Article 1 would not interrupt any current projects and would ensure that we do not expand our usage of a material that might ultimately be deemed harmful in the future. We don’t know what the federal study will find. Is it worth the risk of knowing that tire crumb could be harmful, that we had a chance to stop further use of it, and we did nothing? Or worse, that we actively voted against it?
I will be voting in favor of the moratorium on tire-derived crumb rubber on June 9, and I urge the residents of Medway to join me in support.
SUSAN DIETRICH
Medway

http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20160607/OPINION/160606517

Response to Medway Youth Baseball: Massachusetts Department of Health (MADPH) concerning their conclusions on the safety of synthetic turf fields

Medway Youth Baseball / Tom Emero sent out an email to it's subscriber's list on June 7th which included the Massachusetts Department of Public Health letter of 2015.  In response, we have published the April 2, 2015 response to the MADPH / Medway letter from 

Dr. David Brown, a Public Health Toxicologist.

Recipients of the Medway Youth Baseball email should note:  The letter attached to the MYB email was addressed to the Town of Concord Massachusetts and notes correspondence to Medway MA.  Concord Massachusetts passed a moratorium by way of a citizen's petition on tire-derived materials in April 2016. 

LETTER FROM DAVID BROWN, Sc.D.

David Robert Brown Sc.D.

Public Health Toxicologist

Westport, Connecticut  06880
 

April 2, 2015

Re:  Response to the Massachusetts Department of Health concerning their conclusions concerning the  safety of synthetic turf fields.

Dear Suzanne Condon and other members of the Massachusetts Board of Health,

I am writing to explain why it is important to protect children's health by avoiding the use of artificial turf fields.

The Massachusetts Department of Health letter, sent to the Medway Board of Health, regarding artificial turf provides an excellent summary of the minimal number of the studies that have been conducted to date, attempting to estimate the risk to young athletes of exposure to chemicals contained in artificial turf fields.  If you look carefully at each of the studies cited and note the size of the crumb rubber sample tested, you will see the problem. The findings of each of the studies are based on a startling limited number ( 2 to 12 ) actual samples of crumb rubber (each weighing a no more than few ounces) , on small number of fields most without with any testing of the crumb rubber (4 to 6 fields at most).  There is no study that is comprehensive systematic assessment of the risk. 

Instead, a natural experiment is being conducted in which thousands of children are being exposed on playing fields to rubber, 1) known to contain carcinogens and 2) documented to produce cancer in the workers in the tire manufacturing plants.  The results of this human health experiment is to determine whether there is enough exposure to carcinogens in the synthetic turf fields to cause cancer in the children who play on these fields.  

Now that there is strong indication that cancer has appeared in one segment of the student groups that have played on synthetic turf, (soccer goalies in particular as well as others) the experiment is allowed to continue with health departments standing by until they can obtain positively statistical confirmation of the cancer hazard.

Crumb rubber infill contains a large number of chemicals known to be toxic to humans. These include chemicals associated with cancer, asthma, and other adverse health effects. There is no "safe" threshold level for exposure to carcinogens. The only way to eliminate cancer risk from these chemicals is to eliminate exposure. No existing study disputes the inherent hazard of these chemicals; the studies simply draw varying conclusions regarding the total amount that  these chemicals pose to children who are likely to be exposed when they play on the artificial turf fields.

The bottom line is that nobody knows exactly what the mix of chemicals is in any given field containing crumb rubber made from recycled tires. Tires themselves are manufactured with a wide variety of chemicals. Fields may contain tires from a variety of sources, and there is no source of information to identify exactly what chemicals, and in what quantity, are present in any given field.  No entity providing the crumb rubber provides any quality control, identification of source,  or analytical analysis of the contents of the rubber used.

Children are more susceptible than adults to a variety of environmental hazards, for several reasons.  Children's organ systems are developing rapidly. A toxic exposure during a critical window of development can have life-long consequences. Children's detoxification mechanisms are also immature, so an exposure that might not have an important effect on an adult could have an important effect on a child. In addition, children have many years in which to develop disease. Cancer, in particular, is a disease with long latency: disease can develop many years after exposure. For this and other reasons, it is particularly important to avoid carcinogenic exposures during childhood.

There has been no comprehensive assessment of the data on cancer among athletes exposed to crumb rubber from  artificial turf exposures. However, the evidence collected to date indicates a basis for concern and an urgent need for closer scrutiny. Most notable is the that the ratio of lymphomas and leukemia is the reverse of that expected in the general population for that age group.  Such a reverse in the pattern of cancers present is considered a signal that an active chemical carcinogen is present. Given the high stakes, it is prudent to take action to protect children from this known hazard rather than wait for definitive evidence of harm.

Thank you for your attention,

David R Brown Sc.D. Public Health Toxicologist and Director of Public Health Toxicology for Environment and Human Health, Inc.; Past Chief of Environmental Epidemiology and Occupational Health at Connecticut's Department of Health; Past Deputy Director of The Public Health Practice Group of ATSDR at the National Centers

for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia.

Questions About Article 1 asked by Medway Youth Lacrosse: Answered

Medway Youth Lacrosse sent out an email to it's subscriber's list on June 7th.  The petitioners have collaborated to answer some of the questions posed in Medway Youth Lacrosse email, our responses are in green, links in blue.

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From: Dan Doherty <Notification@leagueathletics.com>

Date: Tuesday, June 7, 2016

Subject: We need your support: Special Town Meeting on 6/9!

Supporters or Medway Youth Lacrosse,

There is a special town meeting being held at the Medway HS on 6/9.  We are asking for your support and attendance as there is an article that is very important to the youth sports programs in Medway.  The proposed article would put a moratorium on building and construction improvements too our new turf fields: This is incorrect.  In a meeting and discussions with the Town of Medway in early May, the petitioners agreed to include language in the article to clarify that Article 1 does NOT affect the maintenance, repair or use of current fields is to be inserted into the article on the floor through our main motion.  This Moratorium addresses NEW construction, NOT existing fields.

(see article below and entire town meeting articles attached)

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ARTICLE 1: (Synthetic Turf and Tire Derived Materials Moratorium) To determine whether the Town of Medway will adopt a moratorium on the engineering, planning, construction or installation of any synthetic turf (monofilament carpet with infill), any surface covering of loose fill and playground pour-in-place surface covering made from tire derived material on any land, of any size, owned by the town for a three-year time period starting on June 1, 2016 and ending on June 1, 2019: or take any other action relative thereto. This moratorium does not include pour-in-place surfaces that are currently in use on running tracks or intended for use on running tracks e.g. the Hanlon Field running track. Town land includes, but is not limited to, that of the Medway Public Schools but does not include private land. CITIZEN PETITION

1. Citizen’s main motion will include a strike of the playground pour-in-place language as noted above.
2. Language to clarify that Article 1 does NOT affect the maintenance, repair or use of current fields will be inserted into the article on the floor through our main motion.

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Although Medway has no plans to build any new fields, there are some open questions regarding potential unintended consequences if the town is to pass this moratorium with specific language related to "monofilament carpet with infill" or "tire derived material".  These include, but are not limited to:

• Why should we do this now?

            ANSWER from PETITIONERS:  

With regards to building of new fields: The best time to say you are not going to do something, is the time when you don't intend or plan to do something. 

Even though tire crumb rubber sport and play surfaces are widely played on, little is known about their risks to health and safety -- especially to vulnerable populations, like toddlers, and to participants with especially high exposure who come in frequent contact with the tire-derived rubber infill. To date, studies on the health effects from exposure to tire-derived crumb rubber have only been partial assessments or did not accurately reflect realistic playing conditions.

In February 2016, Mount Sinai announced a very clear position on the use of Crumb rubber advising a moratorium nation-wide:  Dr. Robert Wright, chair of the Department of Preventive Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, in New York City states:  "We are advising against the use of crumb rubber fields until safety is proven. This is because the product is made from recycled automobile tires, which are well known to contain metals and other toxic chemicals. Some components of tire rubber are linked to cancer and others are toxic to the nervous and other systems."  

Furthermore:

“Position: Based upon the presence of known toxic substances in tire rubber and the lack of comprehensive safety studies, The Children’s Environmental Health Center of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai urges a moratorium on the use artificial turf generated from recycled rubber tires.”

In February of 2016, the Federal Government announced the launch of a multi-agency investigation into the safety of tire derived materials, find out more here: https://www.epa.gov/chemical-research/federal-research-recycled-tire-crumbs-used-playing-fields

A quick synopsis of the Federal Study taken direct from their website: “This coordinated Federal Research Action Plan on Recycled Tire Crumb Used on Playing Fields and Playgrounds includes outreach to key stakeholders, such as athletes and parents, and seeks to:

   

•  Fill important data and knowledge gaps

•  Characterize constituents of recycled tire crumb

•  Identify ways in which people may be exposed to tire crumb based on their activities on the fields.”
 

• Is there a risk of suspending use?

ANSWER from PETITIONERS:  
The petitioners are not suggesting suspending use of the current fields, Article 1 simply pauses the use of any more tire-derived materials for 3 years, on NEW creation only.  The current fields will be open for use, repaired or maintained and replenished as the Town and various sports groups see fit.

• Could we potentially have to stop using these fields completely?

ANSWER from PETITIONERS: No, Article 1 does not affect the use of the current  synthetic turf fields in the Town of Medway.  Until the Federal agencies complete their study, there is no advisement or direction from the Federal agencies on use of current fields.

• Does this now imply that the Town of Medway acknowledges some sort of health risk?

ANSWER from PETITIONERS:  No, this is a citizen’s petition of fellow parents and residents. A vote YES would simply pause any NEW engineering, planning, construction or installation of tire-derived loose material for three years.

 

• Is there any potential financial liability to the Town as a result of this if passed?

ANSWER from PETITIONERS: We suggest this question be answered by the Town of Medway Finance Committee, at this time (June 7 2016) there has been no response from Town Legal Counsel on the fiscal liability question.
The petitioners believe that the potential financial liability to the town would be greater if the Federal Government/EPA comes out with guidance that negatively impacts the use of tire-derived loose material without the moratorium in place.
Additionally, the main concern of the petitioners is the health and safety of our children.  

There are many questions still to be answered but there seems to be a lack of awareness that this meeting is happening outside of the group of petitioners.  In cases such as this, often the organizing group attends the meeting and is able to approve the article as proposed with little or no opposition. This may NOT be in the best interest of the programs that are using the fields! ANSWER from PETITIONERS: it is in the best interest of our entire community because:

A three-year moratorium will allow time for the current research on synthetic turf and tire-derived surface materials to be carried out.  From the data gathered, scientists and public health professionals will be better able to assess the risks involved in using these materials.  We will continue to monitor this research and its conclusions and wish to communicate it to the relevant town boards. Since there are no known artificial turf fields or playgrounds currently being planned, this moratorium will ensure that the Town of Medway will have ample time to make a considered and informed policy about these materials for the future use.  A vote in favor of this Moratorium would provide our Community the option to avoid the unknown while still improving our recreational facilities.

Please take an hour Thursday night and come and be heard.  We spent a lot of state and town money to create great facilities that are now the envy of our neighboring towns. It would be a shame to risk that because we are unaware or too busy to attend this meeting.

Thank you for your support!

We hope to see you Thursday night!

Sincerely,

Medway Youth Lacrosse