Scientists at the University of Notre Dame have discovered potentially dangerous toxins in sports artificial turf that may be linked to the deaths of six baseball players from a rare brain cancer. It has been reported Guard.
As reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer, six athletes who played most of their careers for the Philadelphia Phillies have died from glioblastoma, a rare form of brain cancer. They were in their 40s and 50s and competed in artificial turf stadiums for decades.
Grass samples were sent to scientists from the University of Notre Dame for analysis. They found toxic ingredients in it, including PFAS, also known as “timeless chemicals” because they don’t break down naturally. Previous studies have linked its effects to cancer, liver problems, thyroid problems, birth defects, kidney disease, decreased immunity, and other health problems.
As The Guardian points out, all artificial turf is made of PFAS-containing material, and some are made from recycled tires that can still contain heavy metals, benzene and other carcinogens.
In comments for The Guardian, brain cancer experts warned that it was impossible to prove that players’ cancer was caused by PFAS on the field. Experts believe that other factors may have contributed to the development of glioblastoma: pesticides used in lawns, chewing tobacco, drug use, and concussions.
Several studies support the link between glioblastoma and PFAS and also show that these substances can accumulate in the brain. While the link has yet to be conclusively proven, many states, including Connecticut, California, and Massachusetts, have banned or restricted the use of artificial turf.