Turf War Rising: Parents Concerned About Crumb Rubber

EDMONDS, Wash. (AP) — The workers putting in new artificial fields at the former Woodway High School are facing a turf war with parents who say crumb rubber is linked to cancer.

KOMO TV reports that parents have been pleading with the Edmonds School Board and the city to choose a different option for the new athletic fields.

Democratic state Senator Maralyn Chase joined in the protest saying new information suggests that the artificial turf could be harmful.

Parent Jen Carrigan says crumb rubber contains carcinogens and there are links between athletes who play on turf and cancer. She says they don't want to take risks with their children so the school district should use nontoxic options.

The school district says they have different options and right now they are moving forward with Phase 1 of the project, which is just the prep work for the artificial field.