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Is Artificial Turf Safe? A New Lawsuit Aims to Silence Experts Raising Concerns

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, as artificial turf becomes increasingly common across American playgrounds, school fields, and suburban lawns, a legal battle is unfolding that raises pressing questions: Is fake grass safe — and are companies trying to silence those who say it might not be?

 Amy McCambridge, a longtime Ridgewood soccer coach and Marine Corps veteran, says she was let go from her position with the Maroons Soccer Club after she spoke out about the borough’s plan to install artificial turf at the Schedler property.

That’s the controversy at the heart of a recent lawsuit filed by Polyloom, an artificial turf manufacturer, against four environmental health experts who were set to speak at a seminar titled “The Trouble With Turf.” The event, scheduled for January 2025, was meant to discuss potential health and environmental risks of synthetic turf. But it never happened — the lawsuit shut it down before a single word was spoken.

Continue reading Is Artificial Turf Safe? A New Lawsuit Aims to Silence Experts Raising Concerns

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Rethinking Artificial Turf: A Call for Informed Decisions and Healthier Playing Fields

turfgrass 622797783

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, local resident Cynthia O’Keefe recently shared her perspective on artificial turf and its potential risks, sparking a renewed conversation in the community. She has been vocal about her concerns, which focus on the health and environmental impact of artificial turf. In a recent post, she outlines why she believes this playing surface, particularly one that includes PFAS chemicals, is neither safe nor sustainable for our village.

Continue reading Rethinking Artificial Turf: A Call for Informed Decisions and Healthier Playing Fields