Dutch Clubs Close Doors Amid Fears Artificial Pitches Present Cancer Risk

Around 30 sports clubs in the Netherlands "have closed their doors amid fears their artificial pitches present a cancer risk," according to Geoff Sweet of THE SUN. A "similar alarm was raised in Italy 10 years ago" and now the Hague Government has called for an "immediate investigation" following a TV documentary. Professor Martin van den Berg, a toxicology specialist at Utrecht university, told the TV program Zembla that the grass "should not be used until potential risks are clear." He said, "As a toxicologist, I say: I wouldn’t play on these fields because we cannot make a proper assessment of the risks." Now the Higher Institute of Health "will look into widespread following broadcast that highlighted the issue" (THE SUN, 10/9).