35 very concerned residents of Montclair
In a concerning parallel to Ridgewood’s proposed Schedler field, Montclair is also grappling with fears of PFAS contamination from artificial turf. The Montclair Board of Education (BOE) and School District claim that the turf they’re installing is PFAS-free, relying on a 2019 test provided by their contractor. However, a 2023 test proves otherwise, and even the manufacturer admits the presence of PFAS. Despite this, the BOE has been unresponsive for eight months and has now taken delivery of the artificial turf containing PFAS. To add to the frustration, their lawyers issued a statement suggesting, “nothing to see here.”
Community Concern
The Montclair community is alarmed and outraged. As residents, we must highlight the facts ignored and omitted by our elected leaders. The BOE and Montclair Public School District (MPSD) have taken delivery of a product they claim, based on a 2019 test, is free of PFAS. Yet, the manufacturer acknowledges the product does contain PFAS. A 2023 test confirms the presence of PFAS, but the BOE and MPSD refuse to acknowledge this.
Health Risks of PFAS
PFAS, known as forever chemicals, pose a significant danger to human health. They are linked to cancers, compromised fertility, endocrine disruption, and more. Recent investigations, like one by ProPublica, reveal a decades-long coverup by companies like 3M. In one alarming study, “every rat died.” These chemicals are continuously covered in mainstream media, emphasizing their dangers.
Artificial Turf and PFAS
Artificial turf contains PFAS. Last week, Vermont signed into law the prohibition of artificial turf containing PFAS, and other states are implementing similar moratoriums. Despite this, the BOE and MPSD rely on an outdated 2019 test provided by their contractor. They have been informed of the inadequacy of this test and provided with the updated 2023 test, but they continue to ignore it.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
Last month, the BOE issued a statement through their law firm, McManimon, Scotland & Baumann, suggesting no concerns are warranted. They claim the artificial turf meets their “due diligence” and “complies with all applicable NJDEP requirements.” However, the NJDEP states it “does not regulate these activities” and recognizes the growing concern of PFAS in artificial turf. NJDEP Commissioner Shawn LaTourette has emphasized the public health dilemma posed by these persistent chemicals.
Community Action and Demands
Given these facts, the Montclair community is deeply concerned about our district leaders’ commitment to health and truth. The BOE and MPSD are knowingly increasing forever chemical exposure to students and the larger community by ignoring updated test results and the manufacturer’s word.
Why is the BOE and MPSD adding PFAS to our community when the Montclair Town Council has passed a resolution to litigate PFAS contaminators? The BOE and MPSD must halt the installation of nearly three more acres of a product containing PFAS.
A Call for Accountability
It is past time for the Montclair BOE and MPSD to follow the science and facts and to lead with a commitment to the health of the children they serve. We need less PFAS, not more, in Montclair. The BOE and MPSD must halt the installation of this harmful turf and prioritize the health and safety of our community.
Join us in demanding transparency, accountability, and action from our elected leaders. Our children’s health depends on it.
Read more details in the Town Square piece in the Montclair Local, signed by 35 residents.
This is Uber interesting
Sounds like Montclair is dealing with their own set of special individuals who are just doing what they want regardless of human health and future consequences despite a public outcry. It is borderline criminal and is similar to RW councilperson Winograd leading the chanrge on artificial turf and yet prides herself on a platform advocating for disabled individuals. How does this person not draw a parallel that turf has dangerous compounds, such as PFAS highly toxic to humans, especially our children who have delicate immune systems that are still developing, not to mention its dangerous for the environment. Maybe Winograd has not read the Ridgewood Water lawsuit against 3M and other companies for putting PFAS in Ridgewood water. If a village can sue for millions to tae PFAS out, why then put it somewhere else?
Time to rip it out.