By George Moffatt • Education Chair, Jersey Shore Group
Many of us remember when pro baseball’s groundskeepers quickly rolled up waterproof sheets over natural grass fields after a rainstorm, allowing players instant access. By contrast, old-time “sandlot” players may have had to wait for days as evaporation and percolation did their jobs.
However, “artificial turf”—more accurately “plastic turf”—used on sports fields drains water rapidly. The water passes through the plastic turf’s multiple porous layers, into the base material, and out through drainage systems, thus speeding up the eagerly awaited cry—“Play ball!”
Water drainage, the industry claims, is among the qualities of fake turf that extend the playing season, reduce costly rain cancellations—and the “squishing” sounds—and eliminate the need for mowing, re-sodding, and re-seeding.
These qualities also make plastic turf appealing to homeowners and other consumers, although weeds may take root in the surface layers of the artificial grass.
Plastic turf’s opponents, however, argue that plastic turf is expensive to install and replace—as well as potentially toxic to players and the environment.
Some contend that physical injuries occur on plastic turf more often than on natural grass, and the National Football League’s players’ union is lobbying for natural grass over plastic turf. Roughly half of the NFL’s 32 teams use plastic turf.
Environmentalists are concerned about pollutants being released into the air, water, and soil where these fields are installed. These fears stem from studies that found that plastic turf can emit volatile organic compounds and other chemicals of concern. Artificial turf contains nylon (no, it is not benign), polypropylenes, polyethylenes, polyurethanes, and synthetic rubber, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, phthalates, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). That’s just a few. Whew!
Many of these chemicals are known or suspected carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, or respiratory irritants.
Plastic grass can break down and release pollutants over time—even in microscopic particles that may be inhaled or absorbed through the skin. The PFAS in artificial turf fields has been known to contaminate local water supplies.
As an example, one common plastic turf ingredient is “crumb rubber, which is used to provide cushioning and traction. Crumb rubber is recycled rubber from shredded recycled tires and other sources. Crumb rubber chemicals are linked to respiratory problems, skin irritation, and cancer.
Hot Enough to Melt a Shoe
Another serious concern: Plastic turf fields become “heat islands” on hot days. In one North Jersey suburban town recently, the air temperature over an artificial baseball field was 155°—65° higher than the ambient 90°. Such extremes are well documented.
Excessive heat certainly affects athletes. It can melt shoes, cause blisters, and induce dehydration and heat stroke. This heat can also transform plastic turf into invisible, microscopic air pollutants that threaten players and spectators.
Although plastic turf appears neater than regular grass, it is not safe. How unsafe remains to be seen. Its hazards are already well documented. Yet to be tallied is the harm to human health and the environment.
Artificial turf consists of flexible sheets of plastics and other materials that are formulated to look like grass. Starting at the turf’s surface, the green grass-like plastic consists of fibers that point upward, just like real grass. But instead of roots, the fibers are held upright by what is called “infill,” a flexible mix of crumb rubber, sand, and other “supporting” materials.
The plastic turf and its infill lie on top of several lower layers of synthetic materials, such as plastic weed barriers and shock-absorbing pads. At the bottom, crushed stone, and other mixtures are used to withstand the poundings from the players above.
Fortunately, with the current explosion of plastic turf sales, more scientific studies are underway. Yet, the public is still too accepting of plastic turf. Industry salespeople continue to persuade schools and sports authorities to install it.
Expect the popularity of plastic turf to continue growing everywhere, such as for residential lawns and even golf courses. At least the latter provide a warning cry: “Fore!”