Plastics and Health: Plastic Turf (Artificial Turf)
Communities nationwide are seeing a rapid expansion of plastic turf (also known as artificial turf) in parks, playgrounds, and sports fields. But plastic turf, particularly when fill material is used as recycled tires, can expose families and athletes to preventable chemical and heat-related hazards that natural grass does not.
Hazardous chemicals in turf: Many varieties of artificial turf are coated in PFAS and other harmful chemicals. Even when PFAS are not intentionally added to turf, manufacturing contamination results in measurable PFAS. These chemicals can migrate into the environment and into the bodies of people who use the fields.
Toxic Tires: Crumb rubber backing and infill made from recycled tires contain heavy metals and other hazardous materials like 6PPD ,which are linked to skin allergies as well as developmental and reproductive effects. The breakdown product of 6PPD (6PPDQ) has resulted in coho salmon deaths in Washington state. Players track these particles into homes, cars, and locker rooms, increasing exposure far beyond the field.
Microplastics: Plastic turf sheds microplastics. Turf blades and infill have been found in rivers, oceans, and other waterways.
Heat and Injury Risk: Beyond the chemical impacts of turf, studies have shown that turf increases injuries, makes playing fields hotter, and costs more in the long run. Professional athletes, including the NFL Players Association, have called for eliminating turf due to safety concerns.
Solutions: Everyone deserves safe places to play, and safer alternatives already exist. States can support transitions to natural grass and safe infill alternatives, require transparency and restrict PFAS.
For more information on artificial turf, visit our allies at Beyond Plastic.
