NEW YORK, NY — A draft report obtained by the New York Times newspaper found no scientific evidence for health hazards related to synthetic turf sports fields. That report, however, is being criticized by several advocacy organizations, according to a May 15 article in the New York Times.

The study — described as a “literature review” — describes as inconclusive claims being about health and safety hazards related to synthetic turf. Connecticut-headquartered TRC Companies did the study, which was funded by a $100,000 grant from the New York Community Trust.

New York City has reportedly installed 77 synthetic turf sports fields since 1977 and is planning 23 more installations.

Stuart Gaffin, an associate research scienteist at the Center for Climate Systems at Columbia University, is quoted in the article as saying that the report “is not definitive and should not be the final answer on this.”

Other critics said that they will continue to push for a moratorium on the installation of synthetic turf fields, according to the article.

To view the Bill introduced into the NY Assembly this past fall to establish a moratorium on the installation of synthetic turf fields, click here.

“Study Finds No Evidence of Risk in Synthetic Turf,” New York Times, May 15