Cons of Astro Turf

Artificial turf was developed during the 1960s to replace grass on sports fields. It has been known by several names, including AstroTurf, Tartan Turf (manufactured by 3M) or synthetic turf. It is a man-made surface manufactured from synthetic materials to simulate natural grass without incurring high groundskeeping costs. Artificial turf also has been associated with a number of issues related to injuries, infections and its impact on the environment.

Head and Bone Injuries

The ground under AstroTurf is hard and doesn't cushion a player who falls. Most turfs have an underlying layer of concrete. A player pounded to the ground encounters a higher possibility of suffering a serious injury, including a concussion. Players of all ages complain the harder ground causes more soreness in ankles, knees and lower backs. In Major League Baseball, managers frequently give a player who has suffered past injuries a game off when the team plays a game on artificial turf.

Abrasions

AstroTurf causes more skin abrasions and burns than grass when the bare skin rubs with the turf. This issue is a primary concern for sports in which uniforms do not cover all areas of the limbs. But newer generations of artificial turf significantly have reduced this concern.

Infections

Abrasion injuries on AstroTurf have been linked to infections. Athletes injured on turf are at an increased risk to suffer from the antibiotic-resistant skin infection or "super bug" known as methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Turf Toe

Turf toe is another injury often associated with playing on AstroTurf. Turf toe is a medical condition in which the large toe sustains injury to the joint and tissue that connects the toe to the foot.

Hotter on Turf

The AstroTurf surface tends to be much hotter than natural grass when exposed to the sun. Frequently, it is reported the temperature on the field is 20 or more degrees F warmer than the air temperature. This condition can cause dehydration or other serious health problems for players.

Problem Pathogens

AstroTurf must be disinfected periodically. Pathogens do not appear to break down naturally on turf as they do on grass. The presence of pathogens can cause illness or infection.

Affects on the Environment

The use of AstroTurf or other synthetic surfaces affects the environment. Some of the fillers used on today's version of artificial turf are made from silicon sand or granulated rubber that come from recycled tires. These materials, which might carry heavy metals, can come into contact with players and can leach into groundwater. The production of the plastics used for AstroTurf and other synthetic surfaces requires the use of fossil fuels or other limited natural resources. Unlike grass, artificial turf does not go through the photosynthesis process. Replacing large areas of grass with it is believed to contribute to the greenhouse effect.