ARTIFICIAL TURF

THE FACTS:

• Synthetic turf contains microplastics, PFAs, PAHs, carcinogens, neurotoxins, and heavy metals that are toxic for people and wildlife.

• Synthetic turf is an impervious surface per EPA: “Impervious Surface- Any surface that prevents or significantly impedes the infiltration of water into the underlying soil. This can include but is not limited to: roads, driveways, parking areas and other areas created using non porous material; buildings, rooftops,

  structures, artificial turf and compacted gravel or soil.”

• Synthetic turf may leach chemicals into the ground and groundwater, cause microplastic pollution, and serious pollution concerns during the manufacturing process exist.

• Synthetic turf raises the ground temperature between 20 – 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This is unsustainable given current rising temperatures.

• There are questions regarding the potential link between artificial turf and Glioblastomas (brain tumors) in six Philadelphia Phillies baseball players.

• Studies indicate that artificial turf causes more musculoskeletal injuries, concussions, and strain than natural grass.

• Synthetic turf has a terrible carbon footprint and as an impervious surface is inferior to natural grass for storm water retention.

• Artificial turf Is expensive to install and is not eligible for state aid. 

• Maplewood, Westfield and Scotch Plains, NJ, residents recently voted NO on artificial turf. Residents in Ridgewood, Rutherford, East Orange, and Maplewood are fighting similar plans.

• Artificial turf has been banned in several communities and legislation proposing moratoriums is being proposed in other localities, and the EU is also restricting microplastics in artificial turf. 

WHAT EXPERTS SAY:

• Mount Sinai Children's Environmental Health Center has written to the Montclair Public School District and the Montclair Board of Education to advise against the installation of synthetic turf of any kind "due to the uncertainties surrounding the safety of these products and the potential for dangerous heat and chemical exposures."

• National Center for Health Research strongly urges against these toxic materials. “Chemicals that are banned from children’s toys are in artificial turf and rubber playground surfaces.”

• Synthetic turf cannot be recycled. The non-profit Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) has filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission accusing the makers and marketers of artificial turf of deceptive and unfair advertising for claims it can be recycled.

• NJDEP has issued multiple memos regarding concerns about artificial turf. 

• The GREEN ACRES (pg. 40) program has updated its guidance to include an artificial turf addendum to help guide applicants. The addendum states that: 

  • “Turf type should be evaluated to address potential ecosystem contamination.

  •  Synthetic turf fields can increase the ambient temperature of the neighborhood, especially in highly developed areas.

  • Synthetic turf fields have been shown to have elevated surface temperatures, which can increase the risk of heat-related injuries, especially in children. Applicants are strongly encouraged to design projects so that adjacent shade trees are preserved whenever possible, additional shade trees are planted, and/or shade structures are provided to mitigate this risk.