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Hazards of Artificial Turf

Some school districts, universities and municipalities have installed artificial turf in place of natural grass on playing fields and in parks. Artificial turf is promoted as a low maintenance and environmentally friendly product, but the disadvantages and possible health hazards may cause it to be an unhealthy alternative to natural grass.

  1. Lead

    • Older artificial turf fields may have high levels of lead, which has caused the closure of six fields in New York and New Jersey. The closed fields are more than 10 years old as of May 2008 and could pose a significant threat to children playing on the turf, according to the May 2008 "USA Today" article, "Artificial Turf: Health Hazard."

    Recycled Tire Rubber

    • Newer artificial turf contains recycled rubber from tires and other sources. The recycled rubber is used as a part of the infill to keep the artificial blades of grass upright. The material is known as crumb rubber and may contain toxic materials such as the metals zinc, arsenic, lead, chromium and cadmium. The material also contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which are carcinogens.

      Furthermore, crumb rubber degrades over time and produces additional chemicals that are harmful when a person breathes or ingests them during activities on the field. The New Jersey Work Environment Council in a fact sheet entitled "Be Aware of Artificial Turf Hazards" has expressed concern that these chemicals can leach into the groundwater from the artificial turf fields. Vendors of artificial turf should provide material safety data sheets for each chemical used in the turf, according to the New Jersey Work Environment Council.

    Heat

    • Artificial turf fields hold heat and can become excessively hot for players and those using the fields. The temperature on an artificial turf field can reach temperatures of 150 degrees Fahrenheit, according to the New Jersey Work Environment Council. The public may be unable to use the fields when the grass reaches these high temperatures. Homeowners with artificial turf lawns may find the lawn uncomfortable to walk on in the summer months.

    Skin Abrasions

    • The friction from artificial turf grass may cause a greater amount of skin abrasions than natural grass. When artificial turf fields are primarily for sports and play, skin abrasions can occur regularly.

    Limited Life Expectancy

    • While homeowners who choose to install artificial lawns can enjoy savings from maintenance costs, the price of the installation is high and the life expectancy of the lawns is much lower than natural grass. Artificial grass has a life expectancy of five to 10 years before owners must replace the grass, according to the New Jersey Work Environment Council.

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