Toys & Other Children's Products | National Center for Health Research

Letter to the Editor: Why Expose Children to the Danger of Artificial Turf Fields

Woodbridge Town News, April 22, 2021. Dr. Zuckerman writes about her concerns for children regarding artificial turf. Currently no tests for the impact of turf on human health are required before getting the product on the market.

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.

Toys-R-Dangerous? What You Need to Know about Children’s Products and Recalls

In recent years, an increasing number of toys and products have been pulled off the shelves because they were found to be harmful to children. According to Consumers Union, toy recall levels reached a record high in 2007, with over 20 million toys recalled for having lead or other hazards. In fact, 2007 was often referred to as “the year of the recall.”

Are Bisphenol A (BPA) Plastic Products Safe for Infants and Children?

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a chemical used to make plastics, and is frequently used in baby bottles, sports equipment, water bottles, medical devices, and as a coating in food and beverage cans.