Emma Sutherland - Soccer players' cancers ignite debate over turf safety

SUMMARY:
         Jean Bryant, a mom of three boys, has done much research on the topic of artificial turfs used on soccer fields, and their effects on the players. About seven years ago, she realized that it was strange the amount of soccer players, mainly goalkeepers, that were diagnosed with cancer. Even her son was diagnosed, and he played as a goalie. Ever since her sons had played, she had always wondered about the "little black dots" on the field, which are actually tire crumbs. Many are wondering if this rubber on the fake grass is what's causing this strange realization with cancer. After much research, Bryant has found that the artificial pieces contain chemicals that can be harmful if an individual is highly exposed to them. Much investigation and debate is occurring about this issue, because in some cases, the tire pieces cannot be proven as linked to the cancer. But, as many would agree, playing on an artificial turf, surrounded by pieces of tire rubber is not the safest thing. So, as many further their investigation, precautions have been released to avoid future harm. The Washington State Department of Health has released tips to minimize any potential exposure to chemicals in the future. Bryant is continuing research to help her son and all those in a similar situation.

ANALYSIS: 
         Before reading this article, I had not been aware of the rise of cancer in soccer players. This is very surprising, and worries me for all the players that play on artificial turfs daily and could be harmed by this. I hope that they find out more information about the effect of the tire crumbs on the field, and that they can prevent this from occurring and continuing in the future. I'm sad for Bryant, and I hope that she can get some clear understanding as to why her son got cancer! I can synthesize this to the Industrial Revolution and the work conditions around that era. It affected the workers greatly, and this is similar to this article due to the fact that many people were affected by something that is potentially harmful to the environment if exposed to it frequently. I hope they can figure out what's causing this weird phenomenon and be able to fix it!


http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/27/health/artificial-turf-cancer-study-profile/index.html