Cleveland Personal Injury Law Firm Investigating Artificial Turf/Cancer Link

For several years there has been convincing evidence that certain types of artificial turf used on athletic fields and playgrounds may be causing cancer among children and athletes. Now, under mounting pressure from advocacy groups, U.S. government agencies are finally investigating whether artificial turf is to blame for many documented cases of cancer, including leukemia and lymphoma. While government research and action could take years, private citizens who suspect they or their loved one suffered as a result of exposure to crumb rubber artificial turf are urged to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer immediately.

What is Artificial Turf and Why Is It Considered Dangerous by Many?

The artificial turf currently under investigation is known as “crumb rubber” or sometimes “tire crumb.” Crumb rubber is a granular rubber gravel made of tiny bits of recycled truck tires. Because the rubber provides a springy cushion, it has been widely used to surface playgrounds, athletic fields, and running tracks.

The danger of crumb rubber comes from its source: tires. The recycled tires used to create crumb rubber “contain roughly 30 hazardous substances including lead.” Regular exposure to the rubber gravel may be exposing children and athletes to deadly, cancer-causing materials. According to a USA Today report, numerous studies have confirmed that crumb rubber does in fact contain dangerous levels of lead. In another report, 34 soccer goalies—who spent most of their playing time on crumb rubber artificial turf—developed cancer soon after exposure.

Is Artificial Turf Causing Cancer?

There is compelling evidence that crumb rubber artificial turf may be a cancer-causing product. That is presumably why the Environmental Protection Agency, the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have all announced governmental investigations of the issue.

As government agencies examine artificial turf and its dangers, those who suspect that crumb rubber may have caused health issues should retain an Ohio personal injury attorney as soon as practicable. Both athletes who have developed blood cancers and parents of children exposed to lead-laden crumb rubber may have the right to pursue legal action regardless of the status of the EPA investigation.

If you or a loved one were exposed to crumb rubber artificial turf and developed any type of cancer, call a Cleveland, Ohio personal injury lawyer at Lowe Scott Fisher Co., LPA for a free consultation.