October 8, 2025: NCHR was asked to send information to the Mayor and other officials of Kensington, Maryland for their town meeting to consider whether to install new playgrounds made from PIP, a type of artificial rubber surface that has a layer of recycled tire waste underneath. Our letter explains that the tire waste contains lead and all of the rubber used has chemicals that disrupt a child’s hormones. These playground surfaces are also dangerously hot, which is harmful to children and adults supervising them, and to the environment.
Read More »Artificial Turf and Playground Surfaces
NCHR Follow-up to DC Council Environmental Health Hazards Roundtable
May 19, 2025: NCHR submitted a letter for the hearing record for the D.C. Council roundtable about environmental and safety hazards in DC parks and playgrounds. Our letter provided the requested information in response to questions about whether artificial turf is recycled and shared additional information about research indicating the presence of heavy metals on rubber playground surfaces.
Read More »Letter to Washington D.C. officials about importance of maintaining a natural grass field
February 20, 2025: NCHR letter to the Washington D.C. Department of General Services emphasizing the public health importance of maintaining a natural grass field instead of artificial turf at Lafayette Elementary.
Read More »Letter to Santa Clara Officials on Artificial Turf and Playground Surfaces
Letter from NCHR President Dr. Diana Zuckerman to public health officials in Santa Clara, California about the dangers of artificial turf and playground surfaces including extreme heat and toxic exposure.
Read More »Letter to PA Officials on installation of Artificial Turf at FDR Park
November 18, 2024: NCHR president Dr. Diana Zuckerman wrote a letter to PA officials explaining the harm to community members that would be caused by installing artificial turf in FDR Park in Philadelphia, PA.
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