EDMONDS, Wash. — A group opposed to the use of crumb rubber in the new play fields at the former Woodway High School in Edmonds rallied across the street from the school Monday.
The group gathered before a rally at 8:20 a.m.
The Edmonds School Board voted last month to approve crumb rubber in the fields, which is found in most artificial turfs, but it can also end up in odd places, such as one’s eye.
The crumb rubber is made up of ground tires that are used as infill in the fake grass on the field. It helps to absorb shock, but some people believe it is linked to cancer.
In a KIRO 7 investigates report in October, health concerns over artificial turf prompted Kennedy Catholic High School in Burien to make a last-minute change to its brand new football field.
Kennedy principal Mike Prato said administrators heard news reports where University of Washington assistant soccer coach Amy Griffin voiced her concerns on the issue.
She compiled a list of at least 50 soccer players nationwide that have cancer and think there may be a link between the crumb rubber and cancer.
"I believe that there are a lot of bad things in crumb rubber," said Griffin.
Construction on the Edmonds play fields is set to begin Monday.