NCHR Letter to Officials in Tucson AZ: A Call for Health-Conscious Decisions on Playground Surfaces and Artificial Turf
April 25, 2024
Dear City Mayor Regina Romero and Council, City Manager Michael Ortega, TUSD Superintendent Gabriel Trujillo, and Pima County Superintendent Dustin Williams:
I am writing to share scientific information about playground surfaces and artificial turf, which I am confident will help you determine what is best for the children and adults in your community.
As President of the National Center for Health Research, I am writing at the request of many of your constituents to share the information we have provided to Members of Congress, state and federal agencies, state and local legislators, parents, and others who want to ensure that our children are not exposed to dangerous chemicals when they play on playgrounds and artificial turf. Our nonprofit think tank is located in Washington, D.C. Our scientists, physicians, and health experts conduct studies and scrutinize research. Our goal is to explain scientific and medical information that can be used to improve policies, programs, services, and products.
We understand that these issues are hotly debated, but some information is more accurate than others. For example, although PIP (poured in place) playground surfaces and playgrounds covered with colorful recycled rubber mulch are attractive and seem safe if children fall, the rubber mulch is made from tires, resulting in children being exposed to lead and other toxic chemicals. I’m sure you know that the American Academy of Pediatrics warns that no level of lead is safe. Lead dust has been found on these playgrounds, and that is especially unsafe because it will get on children’s hands and clothing, and they will breathe it in their mouth and lungs when they play. Small children put pieces of rubber mulch in their mouths, especially if it is an attractive color. And although PIP seems to be a solid surface, the top layer of rubber will wear off after a few years (especially in places where children are most active, such as the bottom of a slide) and underneath the tire crumb will seem quite interesting to small children, who will play with it and put it in their mouth and pockets – sometimes even up their noses.
Although artificial turf salesmen may say that that artificial turf will save water, if you look at the maintenance contract for an artificial field, you will see that it needs to be watered periodically to keep its warranty in place. In other words, grass fields and artificial turf fields both require water, but well-designed grass fields will last much longer and be more cost effective. Artificial turf fields also need to be tested regularly for their ability to absorb shocks due to impact (a GMax test) to ensure that they have not become dangerously hard for children and athletes who fall.
In the last few years, scientists have learned more about lead and PFAS in artificial turf, as well as the risks of some of the newer infill materials that are available to replace tire mulch. Tire mulch has well-known risks, containing chemicals that have the potential to increase obesity; contribute to early puberty; cause attention problems such as ADHD; exacerbate asthma; and eventually cause cancer. However, the plastic grass itself has dangerous levels of lead, PFAS, and other toxic chemicals as well. PFAS are of particular concern because they enter the body and the environment as “forever chemicals,” which means that they are not metabolized and do not deteriorate, accumulating over the years. Recent research indicates that PFAS can cause liver damage and other serious health problems. Unfortunately, PFAS from artificial turf can get into ground water, streams, etc. and from there into drinking water. That is why the Governor of New York recently signed a law that bans PFAS in clothing and carpeting, including the plastic grass carpet that comprises artificial turf. Other states are considering similar bans. When artificial surfaces need to be replaced due to wear and tear, it will be much more expensive to replace them with natural material than it would be to keep or improve grass fields or install new natural materials now.
Federal agencies such as the EPA and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission have been investigating the safety of these products. Despite claims to the contrary, none have concluded that artificial turf is safe. Although the EPA has stated that the dangerous chemicals in artificial turf are generally safe because most people probably are not exposed to high levels of these chemicals, the agency admits that they did not conduct a “risk assessment” to actual determine the risks to children or adults with different levels of exposure. Therefore, the agency cannot conclude how often children or adults are harmed by these exposures.
Lead
As you probably know, lead can cause cognitive damage even at low levels. Some children are more vulnerable than others, and that can be difficult or even impossible to predict. Since lead has been found in recycled SBR rubber, it is not surprising that numerous artificial turf fields and playground surfaces made with either tire crumb or PIP have been found to contain lead. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also warns that the “plastic grass” often also contains lead. Whether from infill, plastic grass, or rubber playground surfaces, the lead doesn’t just stay on the surface. With wear, the materials turn to dust containing lead and other chemicals that is invisible to the eye and is inhaled by children when they play.
Why are chemicals that are banned from children’s toys allowed in artificial turf and rubber playground surfaces?
Synthetic rubber and plastic are made with different types of endocrine (hormone) disrupting chemicals (also called EDCs). There is very good evidence regarding these chemicals in tire crumb used in PIP and artificial turf, based on studies done at Yale and by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA).1 However, rubber playground surfaces like EPDM contain many of the same dangerous chemicals as tire crumb, since they are very similar materials, all made from petroleum.
A 2018 report by Yale scientists detected 92 chemicals in samples from 6 different artificial turf companies. Unfortunately, the health risks of most of these chemicals had never been studied. However, 20% of the chemicals that had been tested are classified as probable carcinogens and 40% are irritants that can cause asthma or other breathing problems, or can irritate skin or eyes.2
There are numerous studies indicating that endocrine-disrupting chemicals (also called hormone disrupting chemicals) found in rubber and plastic cause serious health problems. Scientists at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (which is part of NIH) have concluded that unlike most other chemicals, hormone-disrupting chemicals can be dangerous at very low levels, and the exposures can also be dangerous when they combine with other exposures in our environment.
That is why the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has banned numerous endocrine disrupting chemicals from toys and products used by children. The products involved, such as pacifiers and teething toys, are banned even though they would result in very short-term exposures compared to artificial turf or playground surfaces.
A report warning about possible harm to people who are exposed to rubber and other hormone disrupting chemicals at work explains that these chemicals “can mimic or block hormones and disrupt the body’s normal function, resulting in the potential for numerous health effects. Similar to hormones, endocrine-disrupting chemicals can function at very low doses in a tissue-specific manner and may exert non-traditional dose–response because of the complicated dynamics of hormone receptor occupancy and saturation.”3
Studies are beginning to demonstrate the contribution of skin exposure to the development of respiratory sensitization and altered pulmonary function. Not only does skin exposure have the potential to contribute to total body burden of a chemical, but also the skin is a highly biologically active organ capable of chemical metabolism and the initiation of a cascade of immunological events, potentially leading to adverse outcomes in other organ systems.
Scientific Evidence of Cancer and Other Systemic Harm
It is essential to distinguish between evidence of harm and evidence of safety. Companies that sell and install artificial turf often claim there is “no evidence children are harmed” or “no evidence that the fields cause cancer.” This is often misunderstood as meaning the products are safe or are proven to not cause harm. Neither is true.
It is true that there is no clear evidence that an artificial turf field has caused specific children to develop cancer. However, the statement is misleading because it is virtually impossible to prove any chemical exposure causes one specific individual to develop cancer.
As an epidemiologist, I can also tell you that for decades there was no publicly available evidence that cigarettes or Agent Orange caused cancer. It took many years to develop that evidence, and the same will be true for artificial turf and playground surfaces.
I have testified about the risks of these materials at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as state agencies, state legislatures, and city councils. I am sorry to say that I have repeatedly seen and heard scientists and lobbyists paid by the turf industry and recycled rubber industry say things that are absolutely false. They claim that these products are proven safe (not true) and that federal agencies have stated there are no health risks (also not true). They also claim that the products do not contain PFAS or lead, but independent researchers find those claims are also false.
We know that the materials being used in artificial turf and rubber playground surfaces contain carcinogens, and when children are exposed to those carcinogens day after day, week after week, and year after year, they increase the chances of our children developing cancer, either in the next few years or later as adults. That should be adequate reason not to install them in your community. That’s why I have spoken out about these risks in my community and on a national level. The question must be asked: if they had all the facts, would your community choose to spend millions of dollars on fields that are less safe than well-designed natural grass fields?
Dangerously Hot and Hard Fields
Artificial turf and outdoor rubber surfaces become significantly hotter than ambient temperatures. Even when the temperature above the grass is 80 degrees Fahrenheit, artificial turf and rubber playground surfaces can reach 150 degrees or higher. On a sunny 90-degree day, we’ve measured temperatures as high as 180 degrees Fahrenheit just above these surfaces. These temperatures can cause “heat poisoning” as well as burns. This is obviously of great concern for locations such as Tucson, where the temperature is frequently at or above these temperatures.
As I noted briefly above, artificial turf fields can get dangerously hard as well. Turf companies recommend annual tests at 10 locations on each turf field, using something called a Gmax score. A Gmax score over 200 is considered extremely dangerous, and it is considered by industry to pose a death risk. However, the synthetic turf industry and American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), suggest scores should be even lower — below 165 to ensure safety comparable to a grass field. Will your community pay to have these tests conducted annually on your public artificial turf fields?
The hardness of natural grass fields is substantially influenced by rain and other weather; if the field gets hard, rain or watering will make it safe again. In contrast, once an artificial turf field has a Gmax score above 165, it needs to be replaced because while the scores can vary somewhat due to weather, the scores will inevitably get higher because the turf will get harder. Gmax testing involves testing 10 different areas of a playing fields, to make sure all are considered safe. Some officials average those 10 scores to determine safety; however, experts explain that is not appropriate. If a child (or adult) falls, it can be at the hardest part of the field, which is why safety is supposed to be determined by the score of the hardest part of the field.
More Injuries on Artificial Turf Than Grass Fields
When NY Jets Aaron Rodgers hurt his Achilles tendon a few months ago and it was announced he was out for the rest of the season, the NFL Players Association again demanded a ban on artificial turf fields. Their demands are based on data and not just individual experiences, and they are relevant to Tucson; research shows that artificial turf injuries are also more likely and more severe for children and adults playing soccer, football, and other sports, not just professional athletes.4
Environmental Issues
In addition to the health risks to school children and athletes, approximately three tons of infill materials migrate off each synthetic turf field into the greater environment each year. About 2- 5 metric tons of infill must be replaced every year for each field, meaning that tons of the infill have migrated off the field into grass, water, and our homes.5 The fields also continuously shed microplastics as the plastic blades break down.5, 6 These materials may contain additives such as PAHs, flame retardants, and UV inhibitors, which can be toxic to marine and aquatic life. Microplastics are known to migrate into the oceans, the food chain, and drinking water, and they can absorb and concentrate other toxins from the environment.7,8,9 Research shows that microplastics are in the bodies of many Americans and can cause serious cardiac problems.10
Synthetic surfaces also create heat islands.11, 12 In contrast, organically managed natural grass saves energy by dissipating heat, cooling the air, and reducing energy to cool nearby buildings. Natural grass and soil protect groundwater quality; biodegrade polluting chemicals and bacteria; reduce surface water runoff; abate noise; and reduce glare.13
Alternative Playground Surfaces
Engineered wood fiber products are a safe material for playground surfaces and is ADA compliant. Don’t be fooled by other wood products, such as BrockFILL, which has been scientifically tested and found to contain PFAS, the “forever chemicals” that I referred to earlier in this letter. In addition, the Brock shock pad also tested positive to PFAS.
Conclusions
There have never been any safety tests required prior to sale that prove that PIP, recycled tire crumb playground surfaces, or any artificial turf products are safe for children who play on them regularly. In many cases, the materials used are not publicly disclosed, making independent research difficult to conduct. None of these products are proven to be as safe as natural grass in well-constructed fields.
I have cited several relevant scientific articles on artificial turf in this letter, and there are numerous studies and growing evidence of the harm caused by these synthetic materials. I would be happy to provide additional information upon request (dz@center4research.org). I am not paid to write this statement. I am one of the many parents and scientists who are very concerned about the impact of artificial fields on our children. Your decision about artificial turf and playground surfaces can save lives and improve the health of children in your community. You owe it to your community to make sure that you know the risks of artificial turf and do all you can to protect your children from both the known risks and the suspected risks. Your decisions about artificial turf will be cited by other communities, making it even more important that your decision is based on scientific evidence, not on sales pitches by individuals with conflicts of interest.
Officials in communities all over the country have been misled by artificial turf salespeople. They were erroneously told that these products are safe. On the contrary, there is clear scientific evidence that these materials are harmful. The only question is how much exposure is likely to be harmful to which children? We should not be willing to take such a risk. Our children deserve better.
Sincerely,
Diana Zuckerman, Ph.D.
President
References
[1] State of California-Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA), Contractor’s Report to the Board. Evaluation of Health Effects of Recycled Waste Tires in Playground and Track Products. January 2007. http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/publications/Documents/Tires%5C62206013.pdf
[2] Benoit G, Demars S. Evaluation of organic and inorganic compounds extractable by multiple methods from commercially available crumb rubber mulch. Water, Air, & Soil Pollution. 2018;229:64. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-018-3711-7
[3] Anderson SE and Meade BJ. Potential Health Effects Associated with Dermal Exposure to Occupational Chemicals. Environmental Health Insights. 2014; 8(Suppl 1):51– 62. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4270264/
[4] York T. Greener grass awaits: Environmental & fiscal responsibility team up in synthetic turf. Recreation Management. February 2012.
[5] Magnusson K, Eliasson K, Fråne A, et al. Swedish sources and pathways for microplastics to the marine environment, a review of existing data. Stockholm: IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute. 2016. https://www.naturvardsverket.se/upload/miljoarbete-i-samhallet/miljoarbete-isverige/regeringsuppdrag/utslapp mikroplaster-havet/RU-mikroplaster-english-5-april2017.pdf
[6] Kole PJ, Löhr AJ, Van Belleghem FGAJ, Ragas AMJ. Wear and tear of tyres: A stealthy source of microplastics in the environment. International Journal of Environmental Research Public Health. 2017;14(10):pii: E1265. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29053641/
[7] Kosuth M, Mason SA, Wattenberg EV. Anthropogenic contamination of tap water, beer, and sea salt. PLoS One. 2018,13(4): e0194970. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5895013/
[8] Oehlmann J, Schulte-Oehlmann U, Kloas W et al. A critical analysis of the biological impacts of plasticizers on wildlife. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. 2009;364:2047–2062.
http://rstb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/364/1526/2047
[9] Thompson RC, Moore CJ, vom Saal FS, Swan SH. Plastics, the environment and human health: Current consensus and future trends. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B. 2009;364:2153– 2166. https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/full/10.1098/rstb.2009.0053 7
[10] Marfella R, Prattichizzo F, Sardu C et al. Microplastics and Nanoplastics in Atheromas and Cardiovascular Events. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2024; 390 (10) 900-910. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2309822
[11] Thoms AW, Brosnana JT, Zidekb JM, Sorochana JC. Models for predicting surface temperatures on synthetic turf playing surfaces. Procedia Engineering. 2014;72:895- 900.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1877705814006699
[12] Penn State’s Center for Sports Surface Research. Synthetic turf heat evaluation- progress report. http://plantscience.psu.edu/research/centers/ssrc/documents/heat-progressreport.pdf
[13] Stier JC, Steinke K, Ervin EH, Higginson FR, McMaugh PE. Turfgrass benefits and issues. Turfgrass: Biology, Use, and Management, Agronomy Monograph 56. American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of
[14] America, Soil Science Society of America. 2013;105– 145. www.turfresearch.org/pdf/2014/Turfgrass%20Benefits%20and%20Issues%20Stier%20el%20al.pdf
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