“PFAS chemicals are so problematic to human beings and the environment that they are measured in parts per trillion (ppt). Most chemicals are measured in parts per million or less. It is important to note that in December 2019, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection adopted a final groundwater enforcement standard of 20 ppt. A synthetic turf field, alone, may cause PFAS readings to exceed this level.”
Read More"None of this fits with Vancouver’s ambition to be the Greenest City, or with the overarching need to protect the environment and deal with the climate emergency. There are climate impacts to consider: synthetic turf is a Lifecycle GHG Emitter of 108.2 tons CO2 equivalent over 10 years compared to a grass sport field that acts like a carbon sink to remove and store 16.9 tons CO2 equivalent over the same period. In addition, living grass can remove pollutants from the air, cool the playing surface and air above, and filter rainwater, all of which help in the fight against climate change."
Read MoreConclusion: Artificial turf is an important risk factor for specific knee ligament injuries in NCAA football. Injury rates for PCL tears were significantly increased during competitions played on artificial turf as compared with natural grass. Lower NCAA divisions (II and III) also showed higher rates of ACL injuries during competitions on artificial turf versus natural grass.
Read More“CSA and FIFA’s decision to hold the [2014 Women’s World Cup] on artificial turf is inherently discriminatory and injures an elite group of female athletes in three significant ways: (1) by forcing them to compete on a surface that fundamentally alters the way the game is played, (2) by subjecting them to unique and serious risks of injury, and (3) by devaluing their dignity, state of mind and self-respect as a result of requiring them to play on a second-class surface before tens of thousands of stadium spectators and a global broadcast audience.”
Read More“I am writing this letter as a concerned part-time resident of Martha’s Vineyard and an attorney with experience in mass tort litigation — i.e., tobacco, asbestos, and defective drugs. Sadly, what is currently unfolding within the synthetic turf industry bears striking similarities to the aforementioned mass tort catastrophes - deceptive marketing practices, industry funded junk science (aimed at misleading customers and creating doubt in the courtroom), and a focus on corporate profits over consumer health and safety.”
Read More“Artificial turf poses a number of health and environmental concerns. Those communities that have decided to install artificial turf are encouraged to make careful choices among the materials available to them... Communities should bear in mind that existing tests apply only to the sample on which they are conducted, and materials used in artificial turf may vary widely in composition. From an environmental and health standpoint, organically managed natural grass is a safer choice for sports fields. When the full product life cycle is considered, organically managed natural grass also offers lower costs over time.”
Read MoreSummary: No product in this test substantially reduced surface temperature compared to the traditional system of green fibers filled with black rubber in both the indoor and outdoor test. Reductions of five or even ten degrees offer little advantage when temperatures still exceed 150° F. Until temperatures can be reduced by at least twenty or thirty degrees for an extended period of time, surface temperature will remain a major issue on synthetic turf fields.
Read More“With wildfires, heat waves, and rising sea levels, large tracts of the earth are at risk of becoming uninhabitable. But the fossil-fuel industry continues its assault on the facts.”
Read MoreTips for Safer Play on Artificial Turf Surfaces
Avoid use on very hot days
Avoid use for passive activities (i.e. sitting, lounging, picnicking)
Monitor young children to prevent accidental ingestion
Always wear shoes on artificial turf
Wash hands before eating, drinking, or adjusting mouth guard
Clean cuts and abrasions immediately
Brush hair thoroughly after play
Remove and clean shoes and gear outside before getting in car
Shower immediately after playing on artificial turf
