Artificial Turf ("Plastic Grass"):

Questions Worth Asking

At Residents for Resilience (R4R), we believe informed public discussion begins with asking thoughtful questions and making sure communities have

access to science-based information.

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As artificial turf continues to be installed in parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, and public spaces, many residents have raised important questions about how these synthetic surfaces perform over time — particularly in hot climates like South Florida, where heat, heavy rain, stormwater runoff, and long-term material exposure

may present additional health and environmental concerns.

 

Because it’s hard to care about what you don’t know about,

we believe this is an issue worth understanding carefully.

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⚠️ Key Questions

That Need to Be Asked

Before expanding the use of artificial turf in our communities, it is important to ask:

• What chemicals and materials are used in artificial turf systems?

• How does artificial turf impact air quality and human exposure—especially under high heat?

• What are the potential risks for children, athletes, and pets?

• How does artificial turf affect stormwater runoff and flood mitigation?

• What happens as turf ages, breaks down, and is disposed of?

• Are there long-term impacts on surrounding soil, waterways, and ecosystems?

👉 These questions are supported by growing research identifying concerns related to chemical exposure, microplastics, heat, and environmental impacts. 

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Why This Discussion Matters

Artificial turf is often promoted as low-maintenance and durable, but growing scientific discussion continues around how synthetic turf materials behave

under prolonged heat, wear, and environmental exposure.

 

Questions increasingly being raised include:

• extreme surface heat that can create unsafe temperatures for children, athletes, and park users
• potential vapor release during high heat exposure from rubber and plastic-based materials
• turf dust and particulate exposure resulting from wear over time
• plastic fiber breakdown entering surrounding soil, stormwater systems, and nearby waterways
• landfill burden when fields reach the end of their useful life
• broader long-term environmental and public health questions still being actively studied

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🧪 Chemicals & Human Exposure

Studies have identified a wide range of chemicals in artificial turf materials, including:

• Heavy metals (lead, cadmium, zinc)

• Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

• Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals”

Some of these substances are associated with carcinogenic, neurotoxic, or endocrine-disrupting properties, though research on direct human health outcomes remains ongoing and incomplete. 

Importantly, studies show these materials can be released into air, dust, and stormwater runoff, creating multiple exposure pathways. ScienceDirect+1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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☀️☔️🌊Why South Florida Requires

Special Attention

South Florida presents unique conditions that make

this discussion especially important.

High temperatures, intense sunlight, heavy rainfall, and close proximity to waterways mean that material choices in public spaces may carry additional implications for both environmental performance and human exposure.

Questions worth asking include:

• How hot do artificial turf surfaces become during summer months?
• How does stormwater move across synthetic surfaces?
• What enters nearby drains, canals, and waterways over time?
• What happens when turf systems require replacement?

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🌡️ Heat & Urban Impact

Artificial turf can reach significantly higher surface temperatures than natural grass, particularly in sunny environments like South Florida.

Unlike natural grass—which cools through evapotranspiration—synthetic surfaces retain and radiate heat, contributing to:

• Elevated surface temperatures

• Increased risk of heat-related illness

• Amplification of the urban heat island effect

These heat-related concerns are consistently identified across scientific reviews and environmental studies. ​​NJDEP+1

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💧 Water, Flooding & Stormwater Considerations

Natural landscapes play a critical role in absorbing rainwater, filtering pollutants, and reducing localized flooding.

Research has raised concerns that artificial turf systems may:

• Contribute to stormwater runoff and pollutant transport

• Release chemicals such as metals and PFAS into runoff

• Require ongoing maintenance to maintain permeability

Studies confirm that toxic chemicals and metals can be detected in stormwater runoff from artificial turf installations, raising concerns for downstream waterways. 

Ecology Apps

🌱 Environmental & Lifecycle Impacts

Artificial turf is composed primarily of plastic materials derived from fossil fuels. Over time, these materials can:

• Break down into microplastics

• Migrate into surrounding soil and waterways

• Create challenges related to waste disposal and recycling

Research highlights that artificial turf contributes to microplastic pollution, environmental contamination, and end-of-life waste challenges, with limited long-term disposal solutions currently available. NCCEH+1

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🌿 Nature-Based Alternatives

There are proven alternatives that support recreation while enhancing environmental resilience:

• Natural grass systems (properly maintained)

• Tree canopy and shaded spaces

• Bioswales and rain gardens

• Green infrastructure and nature-based shoreline solutions

 

These approaches help:

• Reduce heat

• Improve water quality

• Support biodiversity

• Strengthen flood mitigation efforts

 

🤝 Moving Forward—Together

While artificial turf may offer certain functional benefits, the current body of research highlights data gaps, uncertainties, and potential risks that warrant further study and careful consideration. 

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At Residents for Resilience, we believe strong communities are built on:

• Transparent information

• Science-based decision-making

• Open dialogue

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🌊 Be Part of the Conversation

Together, we are making waves of change.

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Expert Voices Helping Inform

the Discussion

To help bring science-based information into public conversation, two respected specialists will be spoke at an upcoming Sustainability Advisory Board meeting:

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Sarah Evans
PhD, MPH
Associate Professor
Children’s Environmental Health Center
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

READ MORE

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Susan Chapnick
Vice-Chair, Arlington Conservation Commission
President & Principal Scientist (retired), NEH, Inc.

READ MORE

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We are planning on inviting Dr. Sarah and Susan to speak at an upcoming Waterlogged event - would love to her your thoughts!

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READ MORE

 

📚 References & Research

• National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health (NCCEH): Artificial Turf Playing Fields – Review of Health Risks and Environmental Impacts READ MORE

• New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP): Synthetic Turf Scientific Review (2025) READ MORE

• U.S. Stormwater Research: Water Quality Impacts from Artificial Turf READ MORE

• Washington State Department of Ecology: Chemicals in Artificial Turf Runoff Study READ MORE

• Environmental Pollution Journal: Health Impacts of Artificial Turf READ MORE

• Environmental Health Research (CHE/TURI): Synthetic Turf Chemical & Exposure Concerns READ MORE

 

R4R’s Role

As with many evolving environmental and public health discussions, research surrounding artificial turf continues to develop. R4R’s goal is not to tell communities what to think, but to help fill the information gap by sharing credible resources, encouraging thoughtful questions, and supporting informed discussion as residents and public leaders consider both short-term and long-term impacts.

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Because Informed Communities Build

Stronger Communities

The goal is simple:

*Ask thoughtful questions.
*Review sound science.
*Understand long-term impacts.
*Make informed choices.

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Because resilience also includes what we place on the ground beneath us.