Synthetic Turf
Children, students, and athletes should play on real grass fields.
Synthetic turf fields continue to pose health risks to those who play on them. Below are 10 reasons why.
Environment and Human Health, Inc. (EHHI) explains why children, students, and athletes should play on real grass fields. Below are 10 reasons why. 1. The green plastic of synthetic turf fields is manufactured with PFAs. PFAs are also known as "forever chemicals" because they are extremely persistent in our environment and bodies. They can lead to health problems such as liver damage, thyroid disease, obesity, fertility issues and cancer. 2. The country is in the middle of a plastic epidemic, and putting down acres of plastic synthetic turf fields only adds to this serious problem. Schools in particular, should be setting an example of good stewardship for the environment, and laying down plastic fields is a very bad example of good stewardship. 4. As the synthetic fields are played on, the crumb rubber breaks down and the toxic dust from the crumb rubber is easily inhaled. 5. Synthetic turf fields are maintained with additional toxins such as antimicrobials, disinfectants, and flame retardants. 6. Synthetic turf fields get extremely hot in the summer months. The fields can get 60 to 70 degrees hotter than the outside air. 7. When the plastic fields get hot, the toxic chemicals in the fields outgas more quickly. 8. The synthetic turf fields are a danger for injuries and concussions unless the crumb rubber is continually refilled.
9. Both the U.S. EPA and the Consumer Protection Agency no longer support the safety claims for synthetic turf fields. 10. Read more about the toxic health effects of crumb rubber on EHHI's website.
3. Most synthetic turf fields are infilled with waste tire “crumb rubber.” Crumb rubber contains 11 carcinogens and many chemical irritants.