Artificial Turf Cancer Attorneys

An increase in the number of young soccer goal keepers being diagnosed with cancer has environmental advocates urging the Environmental Protection Agency and the Consumer Product Safety Commission to take an in-depth look at a possible link between a type of artificial turf field, known as "crumb rubber" and the development of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Since the product was developed in 2000, at least 40 young soccer players have been diagnosed with cancer. Of those, the majority are goal keepers. Many people are arguing that this is not a coincidence, since the fields these young athletes are diving on are made from recycled carcinogenic-containing tires.

The national product liability lawyers of Flood Law Group LLP have taken a special interest in this issue and are available to review potential claims on behalf of soccer players and other athletes who have been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma after playing on fields made from the artificial turf. If you or a loved one has developed cancer after playing on a crumb rubber field, you may be eligible for financial compensation. To learn more, schedule a free case evaluation today.

Children's Playgrounds also Affected?

In addition to soccer fields, crumb rubber has been widely used in playgrounds that our children play on across the country. The question that has now been raised is whether there are enough dangerous chemicals being released from the turf to endanger the children that play on these playgrounds. The crumb rubber found between the blades of artificial grass is made from old tires that, may contain dangerous chemicals and carcinogens such as:

• Benzene
• Carbon black
• Lead
• Mercury
• Arsenic
• Heavy metals
• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Since concerns about the safety of the fields hit the news, some cities and schools have decided it’s not worth the risk to wait for more studies. Kennedy Catholic High School in Burien, Washington is among them. Days before the infill process was set to begin on its brand new football field, officials at the school caught wind of the suspected cancer risk associated with crumb rubber. According to an article published by CBS on Oct. 15, 2014, the school decided to pull the plug on the crumb rubber infill and go with a new type of infill called Nike Grind which is made from ground up tennis shoe soles provided by the Nike Corporation. The field is one of the first to use the cutting edge infill, and is costing the school an extra $20,000. The cost, according to school officials is worth the safety of the students.

Can Crumb Rubber Lead to Cancer?

Crumb Rubber, also called styrene butadiene rubber, was developed in 2000 as an answer to the less popular artificial turf called ChemGrass or AstroTurf. The tiny black crumbs, which are made from old tires, are poured between artificial blades of grass, giving the turf more bounce and reducing the risk of injury on the field.

Because crumb rubber fields are less expensive and easier to maintain than real grass, the material has been widely embraced and gained popularity in the U.S. pretty quick. In fact, according to data collected by the Synthetic Turf Council, there are more than 11,000 synthetic turf sports fields scattered throughout the U.S. today; most of which are crumb rubber. Thousands of playgrounds across the country are also laced with the material.

In recent years, however, there has been an increase in the number of young athletes, particularly soccer goalies who spend much of their time in close contact with the turf, who have been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The increase in cancer diagnoses has many people questioning the safety of crumb rubber and asking for answers.

Crumb Rubber Cancer Lawsuits

The national product liability lawyers of Flood Law Group LLP are available to investigate potential claims on behalf of people that have developed cancer after playing on fields made from crumb rubber. While makers of the artificial turf maintain the safety of the fields, the cancer diagnoses continue to pile up. Coaches and parents of young athletes are arguing that it make sense for goalies to be affected since they are constantly diving into the fields and getting the crumbs in their mouths, noses, abrasions and clothes.

If you are a soccer player or another athlete that has been diagnosed with cancer, or if your son or daughter has developed cancer after playing on a crumb rubber field, we may be able to help you collect compensation for damages, including medical bills and pain and suffering. To find out if you qualify for compensation, please contact us today.