What are the dangers of installing artificial turf?

Answer 1

I work in a lab where artificial turf is tested. I touch the turf and various infills (rubber, sand ) on a daily basis for years. I do know that most of the turf is made up of polyethylene and or nylon. When the fiber is extruded, the metals in the dye are "encased" in the polyethylene cells, or so they tell us ;) They explain that there is no way that the lead or other heavy metals can escape. HOWEVER, I know that there is always a "film" of some sort on the fibers that unfortunately tastes terrible if you happen to get it in your mouth.

I worry more about the rubber infill than anything. I am told that the ground tires used for infill are hazardous enough to not get the green light to dump into landfills or oceans. The rubber companies say that they are helping the environment to have a use for this material. You be the judge whether it's just dumping this waste into playgrounds and fields that children and adults play on. This dust can fly up and be inhaled and the rubber pellets bounce around like crazy when there is activity. Years ago, some companies started using recycled tennis shoes for infill, but I haven't seen that in a long time. I assumed that the practice must be too costly.

Bottom line, for years these materials were treated like there was no toxicity or carcinogenic present. Maybe there is nothing to worry about. I have noticed a surge in testing for heavy metals and lead. That just means that this has come to light, and the turf companies are doing all that they can so make sure their products are safe.