Artificial Turf’s Dark Side: The Growing Concern Over PFAS Chemicals and Their Impact on Human Health

As communities continue to question the safety of synthetic turf fields, concerns about the presence of PFAS chemicals have emerged. These chemicals, which are known to pose potential health risks, have been found in artificial grass blades and could lead to contamination of soil and water sources if not properly managed.

Despite these concerns, the synthetic turf industry continues to grow, with thousands of new installations taking place each year in the United States. While the EPA and FDA are taking steps to better understand and regulate PFAS exposure, the full extent of the impact on human health is still not entirely clear.

Dr. Kyla Bennett, director of science policy for PEER, questions the wisdom of covering acres of land with plastic turf and allowing athletes to play on it for hours each week, without full knowledge of the potential risks involved. She argues that there may be better alternatives that do not involve exposing people to harmful chemicals.

As awareness grows about the health effects of PFAS chemicals, there is a growing concern about the true cost of artificial turf installations over their full lifecycle. This increased awareness may have a significant impact on the synthetic turf industry, as communities and decision-makers weigh the potential risks against the benefits of using synthetic turf fields.