On December 4th, 2024, Waterspirit is joining partner organizations in showcasing a webinar on the dangers of synthetic material used for sports with the initial intention of environmental conservation. While this material has become a popular alternative to natural grass for playgrounds, sports fields and landscaping, its impacts on ecosystems, waterways and public health are disastrous. This webinar seeks to bring the information into the publics awareness.
Synthetic turf does not fare out when put against natural grass. It is made from petroleum-based plastics, which leach harmful chemicals into our environment, such as lead, phlalates, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are linked directly to health issues like cancer and hormone disruption. Many fields use crumb rubber infill made from ground-up tires, which can contain heavy metals such as cadmium, lead and zinc. These toxins are then absorbed by the soil, plants and children playing on the field.
Over time, the synthetic turf sheds itself through microplastics-tiny plastic particles that are too small to be filtered out by wastewater treatment plants. These microplastics can easily wash into stormwater systems and make their way into rivers, lakes and oceans, causing widespread pollution in aquatic ecosystems. Microplastics continue to pose a serious threat to marine life, while they are ingested by fish and other animals, leading to poisoning, digestive issues, and contamination of the food chain. These plastics are almost impossible to remove once they enter into waterways.
Turf absorbs and retains heat more than natural grass, leading to significantly higher surface temperatures, especially in urban areas. This “heat island effect” makes surrounding areas unbearably hot, contributing to increased energy consumption for cooling and higher levels of air pollution, thus mental health issues. The heat on turf fields pose a burn risk to children and athletes. On hot days, these surfaces become dangerously hot, leading to burns on bare feet, knees and hands.
Unlike natural grass, synthetic turf does not absorb water, leading to increased stormwater runoff during heavy rains. This overwhelms our local stormwater systems and contribute to flooding, erosion, and contamination of nearby water bodies with runoff containing chemicals from the turf, including microplastics and other pollutants. Turf worsens water management issues by encouraging runoff that pollutes local water supplies. Given we have been experiencing drought where every drop counts, this is especially concerning.
Natural grass supports an array of species from insects to birds, which are necessary for maintaining biodiversity and ecosystem health. The material has a lifespan of 8-10 years, rendering it unusable. Given it does not biodegrade, this only adds to the growing problem of plastic waste.
Stay connected with Waterspirit and join us as we monitor microplastics in our local waterways here in New Jersey! water@waterspirit.org