Allergic to the Turf

By Theo Holshouser

The new artificial turf has been the subject of much attention from Brevard High students and staff; however, unforeseen issues with turf linger.

Some students have experienced allergic reactions while using the new turf because of latex, which is crucial in the composition of “crumb rubber,” the small rubber pebbles that give the turf its softness and always find a way of getting into shoes.

Surveys show that 6 percent of the population is allergic to latex; however, the New York State Department of Health is “unaware of any occurrences of latex allergy associated with contact with crumb rubber or synthetic turf fields.”

Brooklynn Corbin, a freshman who had an allergic reaction from the turf, disagrees.

“I was [on the turf] doing Colorguard in band, and I broke out in hives; it’s happened every time since,” said Corbin.

More than three BHS students have had an allergic reaction while using the turf, despite what the NYSDOH said.

April Owenby, a school nurse in Transylvania County, said eliminating all allergens is a hard task for school systems.

“Steps are taken to remove latex from the campus; however, there is no policy against it,” said Owenby. “In fact, no schools are latex free. It is very difficult to remove latex from the campus because of its abundance in our everyday lives.”

For those with a latex allergy, it is a hindrance; however, there is no way to remove latex from the turf without compromising it.

 

 

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