2016/04/06 Council Agenda Packet

*EVERETT ,r ' PUBLIC SCHOOLS PO Box 2098,Everett,WA 98213 www.Everett.k12.wa.us April 6, 2016 To: Everett City Council From: Robert Polk,Director of Athletics RE: Installation of artificial turf that uses crumb rubber at Kasch Park Dear Everett City Council, In recent years there has been a great deal of attention paid to the possibility that crumb rubber used in artificial turf fields may be causing cancer in soccer goalies.The argument is that goalies spend a great deal of time on the ground. Thus they are more likely to inhale any carcinogenic materials present in the turf and have a greater chance of contracting lung cancer. Several independent studies on the health effect of playing sports on crumb rubber fields have been conducted. Scientists from a variety of organizations have conducted these studies. From the scientific research the reports state that there little to no risk to the health of athletes who play on crumb rubber fields. Public opinion about the health effects of playing on crumb rubber has replaced scientific research. The majority of the opinion comes from the incidence of cancer in soccer goalies. In particular,soccer goalies from the University of Washington. What other factors could have led to a higher incidence of cancer in these athletes? Is there similar data from other university soccer goalies? What about the male soccer goalies at the University of Washington? With a focus on soccer goalies,little has been cited in the way of incidence of cancer in football players. Football offensive and defensive linemen spend a great deal of time close to the ground or on the ground during practices and games. It seems the public would hear about a high incidence of cancer in football players as well. Is this occurring? In her article"Science May Get Sidelined in Artificial Turf Debate"(Science News), Beth Mole discusses the health concerns being raised and the scientific evidence that synthetic fields pose few health risks. In her piece she quoted Gary Ginsberg of the Connecticut Department of Public Health. He stated: "There are literally thousands of products that children come in contact with every day. I think we know a lot more about crumb-rubber fields than a lot of other potential exposures." Ginsberg and colleagues published three studies on the air above synthetic fields,testing for possible chemicals wafting from the fields.As in other studies,the researchers found little to no cause for concern. In the Pacific Northwest and across the country,artificial turf has become a standard surface for sports facilities. The turf offers children and adults the opportunity to safely participate in athletics no matter the weather. The community should be more concerned about the