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Study: Athletes likely to have Higher Levels of PFAS after Play on Artificial Turf Fields

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the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, New research suggests that athletes who engage in sports on artificial turf may be exposed to higher levels of toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” than before participating in the activity, adding to concerns about the safety of this widely used material.

All artificial turf contains what public health advocates deem as hazardous concentrations of PFAS. These chemicals, known for their mobility, can detach from the plastic grass blades and enter the body through various means, including skin contact, inhalation, ingestion, or entry into open wounds.

While the findings of the recent small-scale study, which examined the skin levels of several six-year-old soccer players and their coach, are preliminary, they underscore the potential health risks associated with artificial turf, according to Kyla Bennett, a co-author of the study from the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility nonprofit organization.

“It’s concerning that in 2024, we’re still laying down acres of a plastic-based product infused with chemicals that can permeate athletes’ skin and infiltrate soil and water,” Bennett remarked. “The continued consideration of using this material is perplexing.”

PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, encompass a group of approximately 15,000 chemicals commonly utilized to confer water, stain, and heat resistance to various products. These compounds have been linked to a spectrum of health issues, including cancer, liver dysfunction, thyroid disorders, birth defects, and compromised immunity.

Artificial turf comprises multiple layers, including plastic grass blades, a plastic backing for blade retention, and infill to bolster the turf’s structure. Industry experts assert that both the grass blades and backing necessitate PFAS for their production.

Furthermore, some artificial turf contains recycled rubber infill derived from tires, which may harbor heavy metals, benzene, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other carcinogens. Additionally, this material emits substantial amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and releases microplastics and other pollutants into aquatic ecosystems.

During the study, researchers observed an increase in PFOS levels, one of the most hazardous PFAS compounds, on the skin of three out of four participants following a soccer match on artificial turf in California. Notably, the levels more than doubled for one player. Conversely, PFAS levels decreased for three out of four individuals after playing on natural grass. PFOS was also detected on a new soccer ball straight from its packaging.

While the study solely focused on PFOS, artificial turf can contain up to 16 different PFAS compounds, suggesting that the actual levels on athletes’ skin may be significantly higher. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently revised its health advisory for PFOS, indicating that essentially no level of exposure via drinking water is considered safe.

Concerns about the safety of artificial turf have prompted action in various spheres. Former baseball players from the Philadelphia Phillies suspect that artificial turf contributed to a series of rare brain cancers among their teammates. Moreover, the National Football League players’ union advocates for replacing all artificial turf fields with natural grass. Numerous municipalities nationwide have banned artificial turf, and several bills aiming to do the same have been introduced in state legislatures. Last year, California lawmakers passed a ban on PFAS-containing turf, although it was subsequently vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom.

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5 thoughts on “Study: Athletes likely to have Higher Levels of PFAS after Play on Artificial Turf Fields

  1. Ridgewood sports organizations DEMANDED artificial turf for all the Village fields. , disregarding any consequences such as this along with flooding and goose excrement.

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  2. It all comes down to the Council Majority, Board of Education and Village Manager. At the end of the day, the administration should ban turf and put an end to the public health risk. People are getting sick. Shame on #KeithKazmark #PaulVagianos #SiobhanWinograd #PamelaPerron #PamPerron #EvanWeitz #SheilaBrogan #MaryMicale #MarkSchwarz

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  3. …OR JUST DRINKING THE WATER IN RIDGEWOOD.

    HOW ABOUT FIXING THE POISION IN THE WATER ?

  4. “But we have to do it for the kids!”

  5. What a waste of money

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