Notts sports clubs say they have no plans to follow a sudden surge of 3G pitch closures in Holland after a study suggested the surface could cause cancer if ingested.
A documentary by Dutch broadcaster NPO reported shortcomings in the Dutch Government’s 2006 research into the ‘rubber crumb’ substances that line their 3G pitches.
In Holland, it is claimed lower testing standards have led to harmful levels of cancer-causing chemicals being present in some surfaces.
This rubber crumb can be accidentally ingested or become caught in cuts during sport on a 3G surface.
However, sports officials in the UK and Nottingham say tougher UK testing on the source of rubber crumb means there is no concern for the 18 registered 3G pitches in the county.
In England the issue has been highlighted by former NHS trust chief executive Nigel Maguire whose son is in remission after battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma, cancer of the white blood cells. Lewis played as a goalkeeper on 3G pitches for academies at Leeds United and Darlington.
And studies both in America, by the University of Washington, and in Norway have also suggested a link.
Basford United FC were awarded £500,000 by the Football Foundation last year to build an all-weather FIFA approved 3G pitch at their home ground Greenwich Avenue.
Basford Chairman Chris Munroe said: “We had the 3G pitch six months ago and at that particular point in time these discussions were out there especially overseas but there is more regulation in the UK.
“When we got ours we used a supplier with full trace-ability of where the rubber-based crumb came from, they do all the proper control tests so we are totally satisfied.
“If anything did come to light, the way these surfaces are designed means you could actually pull all the rubber crumb out and replace it with another substrate, such as cork.
“But we are very happy with what we’ve got and with the supply trace-ability we’re quite assured about it.”
The 3G pitch has had a positive impact at Greenwich Avenue, with United winning eight of their last ten matches on their 3G surface.
“The 3G pitch has been massive for us and it would be positive for any club to have, it’s an excellent surface and we are playing really well on it,” added Munroe.
“Everybody who plays on it enjoys it because it is such a good surface and long may that continue.
“Nottingham Forest Ladies play on it and Notts County’s first team are now doing a lot of work on our pitch, to see the professional clubs training on it shows they obviously see merit in it.”
Both Nottingham Trent University and University of Nottingham have 3G pitches for their sports teams.
Video: NTU Renegades in action on Durham’s 3G pitch.
American Football side NTU Renegades use the FIFA approved 3G pitch at Nottingham Trent’s Clifton campus and Renegade Linebacker Jack Rice says he prefers it to grass pitches.
“We train on 3G twice a week and then this season we’ve had five games on 3G pitches and I definitely prefer it to grass,” he said.
“You know you’re going to have a consistent playing surface, grass can have lumps and bumps which can make you slip, where as with a rubber crumb you don’t even have to think about it.
“3G pitches seem to be getting more popular and teams look for them to play on, even a link with health problems wouldn’t stop me from playing on 3G.
“I think we worry too much about things these days, I personally prefer playing on it and the benefits for me exceed the risks.”
In a statement on their website the FA dismissed health concerns: “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.
“The numerous scientific studies conducted by government agencies around the world, and undertaken by independent experts, have all validated the human health and environmental safety of 3G pitches and 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.
“It enables significant increases in sports participation, ensuring far more individuals and communities benefit from all of the associated social and health benefits of physical activity.”
