A massive 58 out of 60 artificial turfs in the Netherlands containe a higher concentration of carcinogenic substances than are allowed in consumer products, NOS reports based on research by tire industry association VACO. VACO examined 50 artificial turf fields and NOS compared it to studies of another 10.

On average the carcinogenic substances in artificial turfs are between 1.5 and 3.7 times higher than the standard for consumer products. But as artificial turf is not considered a consumer product, the fields are officially classified as safe, according to NOS. Many scientists agree however, that artificial turf should be considered a consumer product as players' skin come into contact with it on a regular basis, they said to the broadcaster.

This research into artificial turf was triggered by an episode of Zembla in which was stated that turfs made from rubber granules from recycled tyres may be hazardous to the health of athletes who play on it. This led to a number of football clubs cancelling practices on artificial turf. The Netherlands has about 2 thousand aritificial turf fields. Public health institute RIVM is also investigating.