MOUNT VERNON — A state Department of Health report released this week found no significant health risks caused by crumb rubber infill used in many artificial turf fields.

The report found “less cancer among the soccer players than expected based on rates of cancer among Washington residents of the same ages. The finding does not suggest that soccer players, select and premier soccer players, or goalkeepers in Washington are at increased risk for cancer compared to the general population.”

Though the state report is good news for those who use artificial turf fields, those who maintain the fields remain cautious because of other studies being conducted throughout the country.

“Really, we are still waiting for what’s to come,” Mount Vernon athletic director Chris Oliver said. “There is a lot of things going on right now and we just have to wait and see what comes of those. Then we’ll make the necessary decisions.”

The state report, “Investigation of Reported Cancer among Soccer Players in Washington State,” was spurred by former U.S. women’s national soccer team goalkeeper and current University of Washington associate head coach Amy Griffin.

In 2009, Griffin began compiling a list of athletes who had played on fields with crumb rubber infill and had been diagnosed with cancer.

The list began when two goalkeepers she knew were diagnosed with lymphoma. Others followed and her list ballooned from five to 53 as of 2016, most of whom played soccer.

Griffin’s list of players from Washington spurred the Department of Health’s investigation, which took about a year to complete.

By the state’s own admission, its investigation was limited and did not include any study of rubber crumble material.

Visit doh.wa.gov to read the report in its entirety.