Synthetic Turf – Hazardous to Your Health

It was good to read that Cedar Crest College is trying to improve their athletic fields — but sad and disappointing to see that a school with such a strong health focus would install synthetic turf (sometimes called artificial turf). It’s especially odd to see this at a time when professional athletes are refusing to play on synthetic turf.

It’s also disappointing that the state would subsidize such a project with tax dollars. 

While this type of field is known for polluting the environment and long-term health threats, it also presents some immediate risks to athletes, including severe ‘turf burns’ and higher rates of knee and ankle injuries. (It also results in a dangerously hot playing field in the summer.)

Even more important, I think, is the risk to the future health of those who use it. In the last few years, considerable evidence has emerged that synthetic turf creates a substantial risk of serious health problems, due to the presence of substances known to cause irritation, birth defects, reproductive disorders, infertility, and developmental disorders: carcinogens, PFAS (‘forever chemicals’), endocrine disruptors, and multiple toxins.
[More information → health & safety concerns.]

The factor that makes synthetic turf fields usable in various weather conditions is the preparation of a well-drained field, not the turf itself. With this in mind, people should insist on a well-designed natural turf field that is organically managed. Not only are the risks of injury and health issues eliminated, the cost is comparable to synthetic turf — especially since synthetic turf has to be replaced every 10–12 years.

In addition, global warming emissions are much greater with synthetic turf fields, and global warming & climate disruption are considered major threats to public health. Natural turf actually absorbs CO₂, but emissions for each synthetic turf field are estimated at about 55 tons per year over a 10-year life. (During the same 10 years, a natural turf field will absorb up to 10 tons of emissions — even more if organically managed.)

For recent news, see our Synthetic Turf Updates.