the staff of the Ridgewood blog
RIDGEWOOD, NJ — In a critical 2023 alert, the Children’s Environmental Health Center at Mount Sinai formally warned the Village of Ridgewood and the Board of Education about the health hazards artificial turf poses to children. Despite these concerns, Ridgewood officials are moving forward with a plan to install an additional 6 acres of artificial turf, sparking public outcry from health advocates and concerned parents alike.
⚠️ Health Warning Ignored
Mount Sinai’s warning cited serious risks including:
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Toxic chemical exposure
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Heat-related illness
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Potential links to cancer and hormone disruption
Yet, Ridgewood has refused to test existing artificial turf fields for safety and is now seeking state approval to install even more.
🗓️ Public Meeting Scheduled – Speak Up!
A virtual-only public meeting is scheduled for July 21, where the village will seek state historic preservation clearance for the project.
👉 Click here for meeting agenda & access info
This is a vital opportunity for parents and residents to demand transparency, accountability, and a pause on the project until proper health testing and environmental reviews are conducted.
🚨 Why Parents Are Concerned
Artificial turf fields may contain harmful chemicals such as:
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PFAS (“forever chemicals”)
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Lead and other heavy metals
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Crumb rubber infill from recycled tires
When exposed to heat, these materials can release toxins that children inhale or absorb through skin contact.
Additionally, turf surfaces can be 30–70°F hotter than natural grass, increasing risks of burns and heatstroke—especially during sports and physical activities.
🛑 Call to Action: Protect Ridgewood’s Children
Ridgewood residents are calling for:
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Independent testing of existing turf fields
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A moratorium on new turf installations
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Full public disclosure of safety and environmental impact studies
“Our children deserve better. No shortcuts. No compromises. It’s time Ridgewood leaders put public health first,” say local advocates.
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they don’t care….they all sold their soles to the sports groups to get elected
I haven’t heard one parent speak at the VC meeting to discourage turf. Why is that?
Retaliation.
Parents of kids in organized sports are afraid that their children will be ostracized. plain and simple. it is like the Maroon bully parents that got that coach fired. you don’t deviate or you are out.
For pity’s sake, will these people give it a rest! And stop killing their own children!