Artificial Turf and Playground Surfaces Archives

Press Release: After Less than 1 Year, Artificial Turf Field at DC Elementary School is Falling Apart — And It’s HOT!

Press release by Dr. Diana Zuckerman regarding the dangers of artificial turf like increased temperatures, chemical release, and more.

What are Artificial Turf and Playgrounds Made Of? How Can They Harm Your Child’s Health (or Yours?)

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.