Synthetic turf has become very common in the sporting world. It is being used worldwide in place of natural grass in stadiums, training grounds, and recreational fields. It’s popular because it’s durable, low-maintenance, and good for all kinds of weather. However, some athletes are really concerned if it’s safe and good for their health. Let’s take a closer look at these concerns.
Synthetic turf gets hotter than natural grass. On a sunny 90 degrees Fahrenheit day, the temperature of the playing surface can go up to 170 degrees Fahrenheit. This affects an athlete’s comfort and safety.
The serious health effects are:
● Dehydration: When it’s really hot, one sweats more. That means fluids are lost from the body. The body finds it difficult to cool down. In this condition, muscles don’t function well. It’s difficult to concentrate.
● Heat stress: Athletes lose stamina. They experience dizziness, weakness, nausea, and heavy sweating. If not treated, it can lead to heat stroke.
● Heat stroke: When the body’s temperature goes beyond 104 degrees Fahrenheit, there can be high confusion. The athlete becomes unconscious. This is a serious medical emergency.
Synthetic turf can sometimes have excessive grip. It can even be slippery at times. Both of these conditions can increase the risk of injuries.
● Knee Injuries: ACL tears, a serious knee injury, are a major concern in sports played on synthetic turf. Due to increased traction, there is more stress on the knee joint. There is pain, swelling, and instability in the knee. According to studies, football players are found to experience a higher risk of knee injuries.
● Ankle and foot injuries: Ankle sprains, Achilles tendon injuries, and other foot-related problems are also reported on synthetic turf. These are due to the surface’s properties that affect foot and ankle stability.
Concussions are a serious concern in all contact sports. They can occur on any surface. Impact forces and other factors related to the playing surface play a role. A hard fall on synthetic turf can cause brain injury. Athletes, coaches, and parents should be aware of the signs and symptoms of concussions.
“Turf burn,” also called rug burn, is another common problem. It occurs when the skin slides against the turf surface This can remove layers of skin.
Redness, pain, and sometimes blistering is caused.
Several types of materials are used as infill (material placed between the fibers) in the synthetic turf system. Crumb rubber is the most common type. It is made from old tires.
It may contain various chemicals, including heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Their levels have been detected to be low. The risks are found to be minimal. More research is needed for understanding the long-term effects.
Though synthetic turf presents some challenges, it has several benefits too.
● Consistent playing surface
● Low maintenance costs
● Increased playability
Newer synthetic turf is being made with improved materials and designs. This reduces heat retention and lowers injury risks. To improve safety and performance, research is still going on.
All synthetic turf fields are not made the same way.
Factors influencing safety and performance:
● Type of fiber
● Type of infill material
● Installation quality
● Maintenance practices
Here are some methods to reduce health and safety risks:
● Choose newer types of good, certified synthetic turfs.
● Proper installation.
● Check regularly for the grip, hardness, and evenness of the turf.
● Check the infill and make sure it’s at the right level.
● Replace fibre and infill materials every 8-10 years.
● Water down the field before games and practices.
● Clean regularly.
● Athletes should drink plenty of water and take breaks.
● It is recommended that athletes get good training.
● Players should wear the right footwear and appropriate protective gear
● Proper sliding techniques
Synthetic turf has many advantages. But there are some safety and health concerns too. If they are not dealt with properly, it would have serious long-term effects on the athletes. Synthetic turf should be properly installed and maintained. Athletes can take adequate steps to prevent injuries and health risks. Sports organizations need to stay informed about the latest findings.
It’s important to choose a reputable supplier for the installation of a new synthetic field. For high-quality, certified synthetic turf installation, trust Surekha Exports. Choose our advanced artificial football turf. It is designed for durability, safety, and performance. We offer best solutions for professional and recreational fields. Athlete safety and performance are our top priorities. Contact us today for a consultation to choose the right synthetic turf system for your sports facility.
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