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 … [Read more...] about Synthetic Turf – Hazardous to Your Health
synthetic turf
PFAs in Synthetic Turf
Synthetic turf is used by many schools, colleges, and universities, despite the many known concerns about the health effects on the young people — including much higher risk of lymphoma. [see synthetic turf section on this website] How is it that schools always say the students come first, but are willing to put their future health at risk‽ By the way, well-managed organic … [Read more...] about PFAs in Synthetic Turf
Synthetic Turf Updates
[Updated March 2024] March 2024 November 2019 November 2017 – August 2017 – June 2017 — August 2016 – May 2016 – February 2016 – January 2016 – More reports & news coverage: NBC News coverage (October 2015): Other reports: September 2015 – Links to new findings and reports on synthetic turf: Also … [Read more...] about Synthetic Turf Updates
Peter Crownfield: ‘Synthetic Turf Q & A’
A number of questions arise when people are considering synthetic turf or synthetic playground surfaces or running tracks. Some of the most common concern health & safety claims, other health concerns, cost, and feasibility for high-use fields. (For additional information, please go to the Synthetic Turf section of this website.) Claims that synthetic turf has been proven … [Read more...] about Peter Crownfield: ‘Synthetic Turf Q & A’
Synthetic Turf Update – More reasons for concern!
Since we first raised concerns last winter, new reports have confirmed the presence of multiple carcinogens in crumb rubber infill — and that annual costs for artificial turf are much higher than for natural turf. Carcinogens — A June 2015 Yale analysis of crumb rubber infill & playground mulch shows dozens of carcinogens. Costs — Grass not cheaper on the artificial … [Read more...] about Synthetic Turf Update – More reasons for concern!
Costs – Natural Turf v. Synthetic
One of the surprises we found in our research, is that a natural turf is often much less costly than synthetic turf (also known as artificial turf), even with fairly heavy use. The cost for each field depends, of course, on the specifics of the site, drainage, and use patterns, so it is essential to do a specific comparison of the options for a specific site. Some generalities, … [Read more...] about Costs – Natural Turf v. Synthetic
Antibiotic-Resistant Infections & Turf Burns
Synthetic turf does not cause infections, but turf burns and other minor abrasions open the door for infectious bacteria. Sports Turf NorthWest reports that synthetic turf can become contaminated with bacteria and may need to be disinfected regularly. One drug-resistant bacterium is methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus [‘MRSA’]. MRSA is not rare, but is dangerous if … [Read more...] about Antibiotic-Resistant Infections & Turf Burns
Environmental Pros & Cons
In addition to the health & safety concerns for athletes, synthetic turf raises environmental concerns: Both the grass and the infill are made from toxic products and will wind up in landfills when the fields need to be refurbished (10–12 years); they are not biodegradable, so they will continue to leach toxins into the environment for centuries;The infill material … [Read more...] about Environmental Pros & Cons
Synthetic Turf update
Because synthetic turf has been identified as a serious health concern that's present at almost every school, college, and university in the Lehigh Valley, we've added some additional material. If you have questions or want more information, email us at turf@sustainlv.org. Recap of most popular topics [March 2024] … [Read more...] about Synthetic Turf update
Open Letter to Anyone Considering Synthetic Turf
In March 2015, we saw stories in the Express-Times and Morning Call reporting that almost all of the high schools, colleges, and universities in the Lehigh Valley have synthetic turf fields (also known as artificial turf), or were planning to replace natural grass with synthetic turf in the near future. In addition, at least two municipalities are … [Read more...] about Open Letter to Anyone Considering Synthetic Turf