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. 

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NCHR Testimony at D.C. Council Public Oversight Roundtable on Environmental and Safety Hazards on DPR Properties

May 05, 2025: NCHR’s Tess Robertson-Neel testified at a D.C. Council roundtable about environmental and safety hazards in DC parks and playgrounds. We highlighted concerns about heat-related injuries, other injuries and serious harms, and the presence of lead, PFAS and other harmful chemicals and metals in artificial turf and playground surfaces. Artificial turf and rubber playground surfaces have serious risks that can endanger children’s health. We urged the D.C. council to invest in safer, healthier alternatives.

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