New Turf at The Swamp

[NewsCopy]

Scott Prather on X

[Louisiana84]

Any nut-allergic kid playing on this turf better keep an epipen handy.

[Redgineer]

I know; why nut shavings???

[UL_Cajuns]

Someone Nut on the field?

[MarlinMan3]

Any nut-allergic kid playing on this turf better keep an epipen handy.

The hill is not made out of same, is it?

[CharlieK]

Any nut-allergic kid playing on this turf better keep an epipen handy.

Per Grok:

“No, artificial turf fields using crushed nut shells (typically walnut shells) as infill are not considered a danger to people with nut allergies when the shells have been properly processed to remove allergens, as is standard in these newer installations. This type of turf is designed as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional rubber crumb infill, and manufacturers have developed patented methods to denature the allergenic proteins in the shells, making them safe for general use, including for athletes and players with tree nut allergies.

### Background on Nut Shell Infill in Artificial Turf
- Newer artificial turf systems, such as those using "Safeshell" infill from companies like USGreentech (partnered with The Motz Group), incorporate crushed English and black walnut shells instead of recycled tire rubber. This provides cushioning, stability, and environmental benefits like biodegradability and reduced heat retention (up to 38°F cooler than rubber).
- These fields have been installed in schools, sports facilities, and parks since around 2018 (e.g., the first at a Boston high school and multiple sites in Brooklyn and Cincinnati). The infill is more expensive (15-20% higher than rubber) but avoids the toxins and microplastics associated with rubber.

### Why It's Safe for Nut Allergies
- Tree nut allergies, including to walnuts, are triggered by specific proteins in the nut meat or oils that can cause reactions ranging from mild (hives, itching) to severe (anaphylaxis). These proteins can sometimes linger on shells after processing nuts for food, potentially causing issues if inhaled as fine particles (e.g., in unprocessed walnut shell sandblasting, where a fatal case was reported in 2017 due to high airborne exposure).
- However, for turf applications, the shells undergo a specialized, chemical-free patented process: they are heated to a precise temperature for a set time to break down (denature) any residual proteins. This reduces allergen levels to below 2.4 parts per million—lower than FDA guidelines for food products—eliminating the risk of reactions even for those with severe tree nut allergies.
- The company's VP of innovation noted this was developed with input from allergy experts and tested in biotech labs, specifically addressing concerns like those for his own daughter with a tree nut allergy. No adverse reactions have been reported in installations, and the product is marketed as allergen-free.

### Potential Risks and Precautions
- **If Processing Is Inadequate**: In rare, non-turf scenarios (e.g., industrial uses without cleaning), unprocessed shells with nut residue could pose an inhalation risk, similar to how crushed walnut shells in cosmetics or sponges might affect sensitive individuals. But this doesn't apply to regulated turf products, where allergen removal is a core feature.
- **General Turf Allergies**: Artificial turf can sometimes cause issues unrelated to nuts, such as irritation from synthetic fibers, chemicals (e.g., VOCs or PFAS in some blades), or latex in backings. However, nut shell infill itself is organic and doesn't contribute to these. People with grass pollen allergies often benefit from synthetic turf, as it eliminates natural allergens like pollen and mold.
- **Recommendations**: If you have a nut allergy and will be using such a field, confirm with the facility that the infill is a processed, allergen-removed product like Safeshell. Carry epinephrine if you have a history of severe reactions, and consult an allergist for personalized advice. Testing (e.g., skin prick or blood tests) can verify your specific sensitivities.

Overall, this innovation makes nut shell-based turf a safer, greener option without the allergy risks of unprocessed materials. If concerns arise, facilities should provide material safety data sheets for verification.”

So safe, but keep a pen around….

[Turbine]

I imagine the process both softens and desharpens the edges of the shell.

I have no idea really, but crushed walnut is used to sandblast paint and is otherwise hard as a rock.

I can't imagine it being as light as the old stuff. It was so fluffy and light you could see a fishtail of fluff on some plays.

Replay would expose an incomplete pass sometime by the turf tail..