Artificial turf has become increasingly popular in recent years as a replacement for natural grass. While it does offer some benefits, such as low maintenance requirements and water savings, it also comes with several environmental concerns and negative impacts on soil health. In this article, we will explore these concerns and their potential consequences.

Environmental Concerns Associated with Artificial Turf

1. Chemical Hazards in Synthetic Materials

Artificial turf is typically made of synthetic materials that can contain chemical hazards. One of the primary concerns is the infill material, which is typically composed of scrap tires. These tires can contain metals, volatile organic compounds, and known or suspected carcinogens. When these materials break down, they can release these chemicals into the environment, potentially contaminating soil and groundwater.

1. Loss of Wildlife Habitat

Artificial turf also contributes to the loss of wildlife habitat. When natural grass is replaced with artificial turf, animals that rely on grassland habitats, such as birds and small mammals, lose their homes. This loss of habitat can have a negative impact on local ecosystems and biodiversity.

1. Contaminated Runoff

Artificial turf can also contribute to contaminated runoff. When it rains, water can run off the surface of the turf and carry with it any contaminants that may be present in the infill material. This contaminated runoff can then enter waterways and contribute to water pollution.

1. Migration of Synthetic Materials

Finally, synthetic materials used in artificial turf can migrate into the environment. As the turf breaks down over time, small particles of synthetic material can be released into the surrounding soil, potentially contaminating it with chemicals and contributing to soil degradation.

Negative Impacts on Soil Health

1. Reduced Microbial Activity

One of the primary negative impacts of artificial turf on soil health is a reduction in microbial activity. Natural grass supports a diverse ecosystem of microorganisms that help to break down organic matter and improve soil structure. When natural grass is replaced with artificial turf, this ecosystem is disrupted, leading to a reduction in microbial activity and a corresponding decline in soil health.

1. Compaction

Artificial turf can also contribute to soil compaction. Because it does not have the same root structure as natural grass, it does not provide the same level of physical support to the soil. This can lead to soil compaction, which can reduce soil porosity, limit water infiltration, and reduce the ability of plants to access nutrients.

1. Limited Nutrient Cycling

Finally, artificial turf can limit nutrient cycling in the soil. Natural grass supports a diverse community of microorganisms that help to break down organic matter and release nutrients into the soil. When natural grass is replaced with artificial turf, this process is disrupted, leading to a reduction in nutrient cycling and a corresponding decline in soil health.

Artificial turf may offer some benefits, such as lower maintenance requirements and limited water savings, but it also comes with several environmental/health concerns and negative impacts on human & soil health. Chemical hazards in synthetic materials, loss of wildlife habitat, contaminated runoff, and migration of synthetic materials are all potential consequences of artificial turf. Additionally, artificial turf can lead to reduced microbial activity, soil compaction, and limited nutrient cycling, all of which can contribute to soil degradation. While there are some steps that can be taken to mitigate these concerns, such as using organic grass management and reducing the use of infill materials, the best course of action may be to avoid using artificial turf altogether. By choosing natural grass and supporting healthy soil ecosystems, we can help to protect our environment and promote sustainable land use practices.  

The artificial turf, when commonly used as a playing surface for children, can pose several health hazards.  The synthetic fibers and scrap tires used to make the fields contain chemicals, such as lead, cadmium, and zinc, which are neurotoxic and carcinogenic. Additionally, the turf is often treated with weedkillers and biocides that can also pose a variety of health concerns. The blades and crumbs of the turf can break down into microscopic particles over time, which can be inhaled by children, attaching to dust particles that enter their microenvironment. Although the risk of cancer and neurological effects caused by artificial turf is unclear, concerns have been raised about the potential health risks.

Furthermore, there are alarming facts about the use of artificial turf such as a potential for inhalable lead to be present on turf fields that have significant amounts of lead present.

Synthetic turf fields can get superheated to 40-70 degrees hotter than surrounding air temperatures on warm sunny days. In certain cases, temperatures can reach up to 160.6 degrees Fahrenheit. This was such a health risk that a study was needed to educate parents and local town administrators.

One such study was conducted  at Brigham Young University. They found that the surface temperature of synthetic turf was 37°F higher than asphalt. This heat can pose several risks, including dehydration, heatstroke, and thermal burns. Therefore, the industry group for synthetic turf fields suggests moving games to cooler times of the day during hot weather. That doesn’t seem like a solution to a multimillion dollar artificial field, use it only when its cool out, I don’t think so.

With such facts, it is important now more than ever that we keep our soils full of living roots and a complete soil food web. Not just for our environment but more for the health and well-being of our future generations.

To read the full study done by Pen State  Click  button below