Amidst an increase in artificial turf installations in California, mounting health and environmental issues are emerging

In California, the widespread use of artificial turf in school athletic fields, city parks, and residential lawns has sparked growing concerns about its potential health and environmental impacts.

A study commissioned by the German Environment Agency (Umweltbundesamt) in 2015 highlighted the risks associated with chemicals found in crumbled tires, which are commonly used as infill for artificial turf. Studies have shown that these chemicals can cause cancer in laboratory animals if inhaled, absorbed through the skin, or ingested.

However, a draft report from California's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment, also released in 2015, found 'no significant health risks' from exposure to field-related chemicals in crumb rubber infill from synthetic turf fields. Jocelyn Claude, a staff toxicologist for the state, noted that the report only looked at the tire infill and did not examine the blades, where PFAS chemicals have been detected.

Amy Kyle, an independent scientific advisor on the panel evaluating the turf report, had concerns about the study design and methodology, which were largely ignored. In a panel meeting transcript from April, she expressed concern about the report's conclusions, stating that while there is no emergency, she would advise against using artificial turf.

John Balmes, a professor of medicine at UC San Francisco, also expressed concern about the use of artificial turf. He cited the presence of forever chemicals (PFAS), endocrine disruptors, and volatile chemicals like benzo(a)pyrene and naphthalene as potential health hazards.

Injuries associated with turf fields include ankle and knee injuries due to cleat grip issues. Additionally, artificial turf can reach temperatures exceeding 160 degrees, potentially causing burns on skin.

Some municipalities and school districts support artificial turf due to water savings, no need for pesticides or fertilizers, and year-round playability. However, concerns about chemical exposures and potential health risks are causing some cities to take action. For instance, cities such as San Marino and Milbrae have already prohibited the outdoor use of artificial turf.

Los Angeles is considering banning artificial turf in October due to concerns about children's health and the environment. Turf makers have made improvements to their products to lower the temperature, but they acknowledge that the fields can still get hot. An average synthetic turf field loses between 2,000 and 3,000 pounds of microplastic fibers every year, raising concerns about the wider environment.

The Synthetic Turf Council, a trade group for turf manufacturers, did not respond to a request for comment.

As the debate over artificial turf continues, it is clear that more research is needed to fully understand its potential health and environmental impacts. In the meantime, cities and school districts must weigh the benefits of water savings and year-round playability against the potential risks to public health and the environment.

Amidst an increase in artificial turf installations in California, mounting health and environmental issues are emerging