Artificial Turf and Playground Surfaces Archives

What are Artificial Turf and Playgrounds Made Of? Can They Cause Cancer? Obesity? Asthma? Lower IQ?

There is growing evidence that all artificial fields and playgrounds are made with materials that can be dangerous for children and adults. Our Center has testified before the Washington, D.C. City Council, and we are working with parents across the country who seek our help in convincing their communities to choose grass and avoid artificial turf whenever possible.

Children and Athletes at Play on Toxic Turf and Playgrounds

Is your child playing on rubber instead of grass at the playground? The use of human-made surfaces on playgrounds has increased dramatically over the years. Developed during the 1960s primarily for athletic fields, these artificial surfaces were also part of a strategy to provide children with more opportunities for outdoor physical activity, particularly in the inner city where outdoor playgrounds were scarce.The first artificial turf (marketed as “Chemgrass”) was made of plastic, yet looked a lot like natural grass.

Risks of Head Injuries on Artificial Turf Fields in Washington, D.C.

Professional athletes don’t like artificial turf for many reasons, and many parents feel the same way about artificial turf playgrounds and athletic fields. Artificial turf is made with chemicals that can harm children and adults, the fields also are much hotter than grass, and bacteria can grow in them. Some fields are also so hard that if people fall on them they are at an increased risk of getting a head injury.

Nearly a Dozen Artificial Turf Fields in DC Failed Last Round of Safety Tests

Fox 5 News, September 18, 2017. 11 artificial turf fields in the District have failed their most recent round of testing, leading to closures and replacements, and igniting another debate over the safety of synthetic turf.

It’s Not Safe in Soap, But You Touch It Everyday

Marketwatch, June 21 2017: Some soaps contain triclosan and other chemicals that can disrupt hormones and be harmful to health. Experts say these ingredients offer little benefit and pose risks. The FDA has banned certain antibacterial agents in soaps, but these chemicals are still found in other products, raising concerns about daily exposure.