More Artificial Turf in Glen Ellyn?
Recently, Go Green made a public comment at the D41 School Board about proposed use of artificial turf at the Churchill All Day Kindergarten. Our comments and the research we used is listed below. We feel it is important that administrators and parents understand the risks associate with plastic turf and we will continue to raise awareness of the issue.
Concerns regarding artificial turf surfaces at Churchill All Day Kindergarten
Health Concerns Unique to Children
Exposure to chemicals and heavy metals. Artificial turf contains numerous chemicals and heavy metals, such as lead, phthalates, and PFAS, which are associated with health risks like developmental and immunity dysfunction, cancer and more. These chemicals of concern can exist within the plastic grass blades themselves, the infill, and the backing material.
Children’s exposure to these chemicals for extended periods with daily use. Young children are more vulnerable to chemical exposures than adults due to their developing bodies and increased time it takes for children to eliminate toxins from their bodies. PFAS in particular is bioaccumulative, meaning it builds up in the body over time. In a daily-use playground, the exposure is significantly higher than an athlete playing on a turf field once or twice a week.
Additional Health Concerns
Heat and burn risks. Plastic turf can become excessively hot in direct sunlight. Studies have found surface temperatures of synthetic turfs during hot, sunny conditions between 12-3p (prime play time!) averaged from 140° F to 170° F. Temperatures over 120° F can cause skin burns with skin contact in two seconds.
Heightened risk of injuries. Unlike natural grass, plastic turf lacks cushioning and is shown to significantly increase the risk of injuries.
Environmental Concerns
Waste Plastic turf is not biodegradable or recyclable and needs to be replaced every 7-10 years, with 100% of the material going to the landfill.
Lack of biodiversity/support of children's discovery of nature. Plastic turf does not utilize the natural benefits of real grass, such as cooling effects, air purification and children’s discovery of nature.
Runoff of chemicals to adjacent Churchill wetlands ecosystem. Plastic turf requires harsh chemicals for cleaning and still requires herbicides to discourage weeds. Recent studies find PFAS in wetlands adjacent to artificial turf suggesting that these chemicals may migrate from field components to contaminate the environment.
Cited research:
https://mountsinaiexposomics.org/position-statement-on-the-use-of-artificial-turf-surfaces/
https://www.safehealthyplayingfields.org/