Climate-and-health damaging artificial turf covers more and more New York City’s parks and playgrounds. We need living turf fields.
These are notes I have been compiling since 2019 about Synthetic Turf and Natural Grass Turf. East River Park Action has from the start worked for a more truly resilient design for flood control in East River Park. Now, after demolition of most of the park, how can we gain a more resilient rebuilt park?
The evidence below shows how damaging artificial turf for the environment and health. We are focusing our energies on working with legislators and other community groups to build only grass fields for sports and play. This can be done. California law now allows cities and counties to ban synthetic turf. Boston has banned it. We can too.
Note: This listing is in chronological order from 2019 findings onward. The information on rubber infill only applies to older fields as it is not being used in new fields. However, many NYC fields still have it–so the information may help as we campaign for replacement.
For news and recent research, see our Synthetic Turf News page.
Pat Arnow
New York City Parks Dept. Climate Resiliency Design Guidelines
(this edition way back from the Bloomberg Administration is no longer online):
Natural Grass
Natural grass reduces surface temperatures, lowers noise levels, traps and biodegrades airborne pollutants, supports worms and insects that are fed on by birds and other animals;
Due to natural grasses’ ability to store atmospheric CO2 in the soil as organic carbon, grass fields have a net negative carbon footprint, although the constant maintenance activity on sports fields can expose the organic carbon to air, which offsets the actual carbon sequestration of grass fields.
Natural grasses emit photochemically reactive VOCs, especially during and after mowing, which is related to plant growth, maintenance, and wound defense mechanisms.
Artificial Turf
Artificial turf may cause environmental damage, including consumption of raw materials and energy, and emissions to air, water, and land;
due to the lack of transpiration and heat trapping in the plastic and rubber materials, the surface temperature of artificial turf is elevated (20 °C or even more above that of natural grass) under direct sunlight;47,48
Production and transportation of artificial turf release large amounts of GHGs; (greenhouse gasses) Artificial turf needs to be disposed of in landfills at the end of its functional life as most of the components cannot be recycled.
New York City Parks Dept. Climate Resiliency Design Guidelines, (from de Blasio administration):
(https://www.nycgovparks.org/pagefiles/128/NYCP-Design-and-Planning-Flood- Zone__5b0f0f5da8144.pdf
DESIGNING AND PLANNING FOR FLOOD RESILIENCY
GUIDELINES FOR NYC PARKS
MITCHELL SILVER AND MAYOR’S OFFICE OF RECOVERY & RESILIENCE
Adapt edges for sea level rise
Waterfront parks can adapt edges to account for future projected sea level rise. This could range from moving pathways to higher ground, to subtly regrading wetland sites where appropriate, as detailed further in Section 3.3
Seawalls
Constructed vertical walls built along shorelines are meant to provide enough height to protect the shorelines and upland assets against erosion, wave action, and sea level fluctuation. These seawalls, a type of floodwall, act as static physical barriers against flooding on the waterfront.
While implementation should consider effects
on sediment transport and endemic ecosystems, seawalls are often considered in places with limited space for other coastal resiliency strategies.
ATHLETIC FIELDS, COURTS, AND OTHER OUTDOOR RECREATION FACILITIES
Overview
Active recreation amenities such as athletic fields and courts are prevalent in waterfront parks. Natural turf and synthetic turf fields are subject to different forms of flood damage and should be considered separately (see Sections 5.5.1 and 5.5.2). Hard surface courts in the floodplain undergo increased wear and tear but are unlikely to see catastrophic damage.
Some outdoor athletic facilities involve significant capital investments. Because some equipment or material such as synthetic turf for fields may require total replacement, even if there is only partial damage, the choice of material and construction should be evaluated closely against the risk of capital loss.
Best Practices
• New synthetic turf or track surfacing is generally not recommended within or near the 100-year Zone VE, especially in areas adjacent to open ocean that are most vulnerable to high velocity wave action and storm surge. However, in-kind replacement for synthetic turf fields already located in the flood zone should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Athletic fields using natural turf can be installed in the floodplain if no electrical amenities such as lighting or a scoreboard are required.
• Consider lowering fence heights or using less fencing around courts and other athletic facilities to minimize the repair or replacement costs if damaged from a storm.
Best Practices to Alleviate Threats
• Seawalls should be used as edge protection only where space is very limited.
FIELDS, PLAYGROUNDS, AND COURTS Natural Turf (Passive and Sports) Natural turf is a resilient surface for the floodplain. Grass can survive even under
prolonged inundation. The success of this surface in the floodplain may depend on how well the subsoil drains and can withstand erosion. In general, natural turf sports fields require more maintenance (e.g., mowing, fertilizing, etc.) compared with synthetic turf.
Natural turf under heavy athletic use will require more maintenance and may be more susceptible to erosion during storm events. Natural turf is, however, inexpensive to restore and is better to use in floodplain parks than many costlier materials.
Greatest Threats from Coastal Storms and Flooding
• Standing water caused by inadequate drainage can damage roots and erode soil.
• Clogged irrigation and drainage systems due to displaced soil and debris.
• Development of sinkholes when subsoil erosion becomes advanced.
• Saltwater inundation leading to grass die-off.
• Use natural turf for passive and active recreation in the floodplain.
• Properly grade lawns to avoid pooling of water during rain events. Proper drainage is important to a lawn’s ability to withstand flooding and for recovery afterward.
Synthetic Turf
The two types of synthetic turf systems used in NYC Parks are carpet- style and in-fill style (see Section 1.4 for definitions). Both systems are likely to incur heavy damage from flooding and wave action. Synthetic turf is generally not recommended for installation in the floodplain. However, in-kind replacement of existing synthetic turf fields already located in the floodplain should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
There are a number of considerations that should be weighed when determining whether synthetic turf is appropriate for use in a floodplain project. When high volume sports usage is expected and the use meets community needs, the high initial cost of synthetic turf installation should be weighed against the risk of flood damage. Synthetic turf has a high initial capital investment from the initial excavation, new drainage systems, new stone for base material, and edging required. NYC Parks’ “High Performance Landscape Guidelines” includes a useful section titled “Use Synthetic Turf Wisely” (see page 80 of Resource 14). Designers may find this resource helpful when determining whether synthetic turf is appropriate. Stakeholders should always consult with NYC Parks to determine the feasibility of a project before any commitment is made to use synthetic turf in flood-prone sites.
Greatest Threats from Coastal Storms and Flooding
• Carpet-style synthetic fields: Tearing can be caused by wave action. Once the turf tears, water can get under the turf, causing the shock pad to be buoyant, ripping the turf above it. Seams can also weaken due to improper drainage and standing water.
• Infill-style synthetic fields: Tearing can be caused by wave action. Washing away of infill is likely. If inundated, the infill often becomes contaminated and nearly impossible to clean. Seams can also weaken due to improper drainage and standing water.
• Synthetic field turf is difficult to patch and/or re-attach once it has been displaced during a flood event and usually needs to be completely replaced.
Best Practices to Alleviate Threats
• New synthetic turf construction is generally not recommended in Zone VE and Coastal Zone AE. However, in-kind replacement for synthetic turf fields in these zones should be considered on a case- by-case basis. In areas of high use or when natural turf
fields would prove too difficult to maintain, new synthetic turf fields should be installed above BFE within Coastal Zone AE when possible.
• Protect synthetic turf fields from wave action with a berm or other protective barriers.
• Carpet-style synthetic turf is preferable to infill- style. Infill-style is not recommended in any areas where standing water may be a frequent occurrence.
Building the Knowledge Base for Climate Resiliency: New York City Panel on Climate Change
2015 Report https:// nyaspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/ 17496632/2015/1336/1
Toxic PFAs chemicals found in artificial turf, Sharon Lerner, The Intercept, Oct. 8, 2019 https://theintercept.com/2019/10/08/pfas- chemicals-artificial-turf-soccer/
Synthetic Turf: Health DebateTakes Root https:// www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC2265067/
Luz Claudio
Environ Health Perspect. 2008 Mar; 116(3): https://cdn.ymaws.com/www.syntheticturfcouncil.org/ resource/resmgr/Docs/ Cheng_H._,_Environmental_Hea.pdf
Artificial (Synthetic) Turf
https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/outdoors/synthetic_turf/crumb-rubber_infilled/fact_sheet.htm
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/ artificial-turf.page
https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/eode/ turf_report_05-08.pdf
A REVIEW OF THE POTENTIAL HEALTH AND SAFETY RISKS FROM SYNTHETIC TURF FIELDS CONTAINING CRUMB RUBBER INFILL New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
AIR QUALITY SURVEY OF SYNTHETIC TURF FIELDS CONTAINING CRUMB RUBBER INFILL
Prepared for New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Information About Crumb-Rubber Infilled Synthetic Turf Athletic Fields https://health.ny.gov/environmental/outdoors/ synthetic_turf/crumb- rubber_infilled/ fact_sheet.htm
https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/eode/ turf_aqs_report0409.pdf Artificial Turf
***A New Turf War
Synthetic Turf in New York City Parks
http://www.precaution.org/ lib/new_turf_war. 060415.pdf
states the following ecological benefits of synthetic turf: the crumb rubber base is made from recycled tires (the average soccer field uses 27,000 tires); synthetic fields do not require the pesticides, herbicides or fertilizers that grass needs to stay healthy; and resources are conserved by the avoidance of mowing (use of fossil fuels) and watering. 14
However, synthetic turf contributes to the urban heat island effect by absorbing sunlight and emitting heat. Additionally, removing grass takes away habitats that serve birds and plant life in the city.
The environmental benefits of synthetic turf may not be as significant as DPR claims. Though grass needs to be watered to stay healthy, synthetic turf also performs better when watered. Watering decreases static cling, helps to wash away bacteria and fluids that may be on the fields15, and helps to cool the often high temperatures of synthetic turf, at least temporarily.16 DPR uses pesticides and herbicides sparingly on natural grass, so the conservation of chemicals through the use of synthetic turf likely has minimal effects.17
***New grass could help tackle flooding, say scientists
Natural hybrid grass cuts water run-off by 50%, can feed livestock and resist
extreme weather
https:// www.theguardian.com/environment/2013/apr/25/new-grass- prevent-flooding- deeper-roots
Surface temperature of synthetic turf, Penn State
https:// plantscience.psu.edu/ research/centers/ssrc/documents/ temperature.pdf
City Parks clean water, trust for public land
https://www.tpl.org/ sites/default/files/ City%20Parks%20Clean%20Water%20report_0.pdf
Overview
Active recreation amenities such as athletic fields and courts are prevalent in waterfront parks. Natural turf and synthetic turf fields are subject to different forms of flood damage and should be considered separately (see Sections 5.5.1 and 5.5.2). Hard surface courts in the floodplain undergo increased wear and tear but are unlikely to see catastrophic damage.
Some outdoor athletic facilities involve significant capital investments. Because some equipment or material such as synthetic turf for fields may require total replacement, even if there is only partial damage, the choice of material and construction should be evaluated closely against the risk of capital loss. Best Practices
• New synthetic turf or track surfacing is generally not recommended within or near the 100- year Zone VE, especially in areas adjacent to open ocean that are most vulnerable to high velocity wave action and storm surge. However, in-kind replacement for synthetic turf fields already located in the flood zone should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
• Athletic fields using natural turf can be installed in the floodplain if no electrical amenities such as lighting or a scoreboard are required.
• Consider lowering fence heights or using less fencing around courts and other athletic facilities to minimize the repair or replacement costs if damaged from a storm.
Safe Healthy Playing Fields Coalition
https:// www.safehealthyplayingfields.org/cost- grass-vs-synthetic-turf
MAINTENANCE COSTS
It is a myth that synthetic fields require less maintenance than natural turfgrass fields or that synthetic turf fields are maintenance free. Synthetic fields require: additional infill, irrigation because of unacceptably high temperatures on warm-sunny days, chemical disinfectants, sprays to reduce static cling and odors, drainage repair and maintenance, erasing and repainting temporary lines and removing organic matter accumulation.
“Maintaining a natural grass field is slightly more expensive than a turf field, but not by a significant margin. Plus, if one takes into consideration the $500,000 that must be paid every 8-10 years to replace the carpet of an artificial turf field, and the fact that it is at least $250,000 more expensive to implement, then using natural grass ends up being cheaper in the short and long run.”
– Brian Wolfson, Duke University Soccer Politics Blog, 2015 (Duke University maintains real grass fields.)
Grass stays at/near 85-95 degrees; Synthetic turf regularly gets into 140s & 150s • Synthetic turf field create heat islands, which contribute to global warming — the opposite of grass fields, which cool the environment.
STUDENTS AND PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES ALIKE PREFER GRASS AND BELIEVE THAT PLAYING ON SYNTHETIC TURF INCREASES INJURY.
https:// www.safehealthyplayingfields.org/ fact-sheets
After 15 years of research, scientists identified a chemical additive to tires that kills salmon…
The scientists are concerned about broader health impacts from the chemicals in tires, including on humans, especially because tires are often recycled to make artificial turf for sports fields. “It seems to me that there could be inhalation of those finer particles,” Dr. McIntyre said. “Now you’ve got that leaching happening on the lung tissue.”
NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE doesn’t want any more artificial turf
NFL players association president JC Tretter called upon the NFL to immediately ban the use of slit film turf around the league—among other changes—in a letter released publicly on Saturday.
https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/03/climate/salmon-kill-washington.html? action=click&module=News&pgtype=Homepage
NFL players association president JC Tretter called upon the NFL to immediately ban the use of slit film turf around the league—among other changes—in a letter released publicly on Saturday.
Pier 42’s artificial turf field
Here is the question and answer after East River Park Action filed a Freedom of Information request to find out what kind of turf was being installed on Pier 42 on the East River–a playground that is meant as mitigation (substitute) for the loss of East River Park during construction. First, here’s an article about the temporary park, then the FOIA, and then, what we learned:
Freedom of Information request:
Message: What brand is the synthetic turf at the new Pier 42 Park in Manhattan? This is and EDC/LMDC project, so if it is not under your purview, can you tell me where to get this information?
I would also like to know the brands of the turf in Corlears Hook park field and in East River park? Those are all of different ages, so might be different? Thank you for whatever information you can provide.
Contract ID: MG-718M
Title: Manhattan Synthetic Turf Field Reconstruction
Dec. 30
Capital.Tracker@parks.nyc.gov
Thank you for your interest in NYC Parks.
We apologize for the delayed response.
The brand of synthetic turf that was installed at Pier 42 Deck is Allsport XP 50/1.75 by Greenfields High Performance Turf. The other brand is Classic Eco-E by Shaw Sports Turf.
We hope this is helpful to you!
https://greenfieldsusa.com/innovation/greenfields-xp/
ALLSPORT XP is manufactured by means of a patented slit-film extrusion process involving a narrower fibrillation pattern than other fibrillated synthetic turf fibers.
All Sport XP 50/1.75 by Greenfields
artificial turf field on Pier 42
Probably: Envirofill is the infill product
http://stopcancerfund.org/tag/envirofill/
Envirofill pellets have been coated with an antibacterial called triclosan. Triclosan is registered as a pesticide with the EPA and the FDA has banned triclosan from soaps because manufacturers were not able to prove that it is safe for long-term use. Research shows a link to liver and inhalation toxicity and hormone disruption.
here is research on the artificial turf in use on the Deck of Pier 42 collected by East River Park Action.
on Pier 42, this brand of artificial turf is being used, confirmed by a NYCEDC FOIL
All Sport XP 50/1.75 by Greenfields
https://greenfieldsusa.com/innovation/greenfields-xp/
ALLSPORT XP is manufactured by means of a patented slit-film extrusion process involving a narrower fibrillation pattern than other fibrillated synthetic turf fibers.
https://greenfieldsusa.com/innovation/greenfields-xp/
and the 66 page technical manual on the blade material: http://pasboerc.org/NewSFUploads/2043ThiolonTIM_Turf%20FieldsBall%20FieldsGrass%20FieldsAllFields_WebbCook.pdf
“Chemicals within rubber infill materials could affect the UV stability of artificial grass fibers, especially that of PP fibers. Thiolon LSR® and Xtreme® are significantly more resistant, but it is not excluded that chemicals in the rubber infill material, which are outside our control, can affect these fibers. Ten Cate Grass cannot be held responsible for any chemical reaction between fibers and infill material.”
See replies in this https://www.instagram.com/p/Cjo-JErtdg9/ post about what that gravel is in the artificial turf is: “EnviroFill.” If that is correct, here’s an explanation of the environmental consequences of using it:
from the article:
Envirofill artificial turf fields are advertised as “cooler” and “safer,” but our research indicates that these fields are still at least 30-50 degrees hotter than natural grass. Envirofill is composed of materials resembling plastic polymer pellets (similar in appearance to tic tacs) with silica inside. Silica is classified as a hazardous material according to OSHA regulations, and the American Academy of Pediatrics specifically recommends avoiding it on playgrounds. The manufacturers and vendors of these products claim that the silica stays inside the plastic coating. However, sunlight and the grinding force from playing on the field breaks down the plastic coating. For that reason, even the product warranty admits that only 70% of the silica will remain encapsulated. The other 30% can be very harmful as children are exposed to it in the air.
In addition, the Envirofill pellets have been coated with an antibacterial called triclosan. Triclosan is registered as a pesticide with the EPA and the FDA has banned triclosan from soaps because manufacturers were not able to prove that it is safe for long-term use. Research shows a link to liver and inhalation toxicity and hormone disruption. The manufacturer of Envirofill says that the company no longer uses triclosan, but they provide no scientific evidence that the antibacterial they are now using is any safer than triclosan. Microscopic particles of this synthetic turf infill will be inhaled by children, and visible and invisible particles come off of the field, ending up in shoes, socks, pockets, and hair.
In response to the concerns of educated parents and government officials, other new materials are now being used instead of tire crumb and other very controversial materials. However, all the materials being used (such as volcanic ash, corn husks, and Corkonut) have raised concerns and none are proven to be as safe or effective as well-designed grass fields.
More on envirofil (which needs confirmation of use here)l: http://stopcancerfund.org/tag/envirofill/ – https://themotzgroup.com/infills/
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See https://www.facebook.com/allie.ryan.10236 has great photos/videos of the pellets on Nov 7: https://www.facebook.com/100064915505024/videos/pcb.496491875857992/1075112033153151
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Boston Bans Artificial Turf!
https://www.ecowatch.com/boston-astro-turf-ban-forever-chemicals.html
– Pier 42 is not part of ESCR, but was turned over to Parks – see below for the community contact person
Turf recycler hit with environmental violations as it works to open PA plant
Bethany Rodgers, Bucks County Courier Times, March 13, 2023
…Meanwhile, the artificial turf they one day hope to recycle has been waiting around, stacked in sagging piles in Pennsylvania fields and parking lots….
More:‘Running out of room’: How old turf fields raise potential environmental, health concerns
These links show that there are no current feasible plans for worn out artificial turf fields; they pose a hazard to the environment.
Boston bans artificial turf in parks due to toxic ‘forever chemicals’
The city joins a growing number across the US in limiting the use of artificial turf made with dangerous PFAS compounds
by Tom Perkins, Sept. 30, 2022, The Guardian
All artificial turf is made with toxic PFAS compounds and some is still produced with ground-up tires that can contain heavy metals, benzene, VOCs and other carcinogens that can present a health threat. The material also emits high levels of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and sheds microplastics and other chemicals into waterways.
“We already know there are toxic chemicals in the products, so why would we continue to utilize them and have children roll around on them when we have a safe alternative, which is natural grass?” asked Sarah Evans, an environmental health professor for the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
Athletes likely to have higher levels of PFAS after play on artificial turf – study
This article is more than 1 month old
Research raises more questions over safety of material that health advocates say is made with dangerous levels of ‘forever chemicals’
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/15/athletes-higher-pfas-levels-artificial-turf
Synthetic turf impacts on storm water and flood resilience, and potential for heat island and heat-stress effects, State of New Jersey, 2022
https://dep.nj.gov/wp-content/uploads/dsr/synthetic-turf-memorandum-june2022.pdf
Briefly, current scientific information demonstrates that there is support for the installation of synthetic turf fields when the proper construction and design measures include sufficient drainage systems to manage stormwater retention. While synthetic turf fields can be designed to accommodate extreme rainfall events, these fields may be severely damaged during flooding and infill material may be washed away and enter the environment. With regards to heat and synthetic turf, individuals on or near synthetic fields on a sunny day will be exposed to hotter temperatures than predicted by local ambient measurements, and therefore may be at a greater risk of heat-illness. Precaution should be made to avoid extended strenuous exercise on synthetic turf fields on hot sunny days (e.g., summer months). Finally, while a relatively low contributor in comparison, synthetic turf fields will add to the cumulative impacts of built urban environmental features (e.g.. buildings, paved roads, etc.) that contribute to the urban heat island effect. However, individuals in close proximity to the synthetic turf fields will experience hotter temperatures than they would otherwise from a natural grass field.
Here’s an excellent one-page fact sheet from Beyond Plastics:
Synthetic Turf is HAZARDOUS
I like to compare synthetic turf to a bad relationship . . . It gets dangerously hot, it’s toxic to everyone around me, it’s unsustainable . . . and it’s really hard to get rid of.” — Diana E. Conway, President, Safe Healthy Playing Fields, Inc.
https://www.beyondplastics.org/fact-sheets/synthetic-turf
Safe, Healthy Playing Fields, many facts:
https://www.safehealthyplayingfields.org
Supporting communities and providing the facts We equip communities and policymakers with the facts and science of why grass fields are superior to artificial turf plastic fields, and why natural-surface playgrounds are superior to synthetic surfaces.
More resources:
These are Wendy Brawer’s notes (some overlapping with the above) about synthetic turf. She is East River Park Action’s representative to the Community Advisory Group for the East Side Coastal Resiliency project:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1TRjegRmEzmhcInTVzJvYw6X_czoymFnMc3NW4rrfu-A/edit
The Advantages of green, living grass
There are opponents of real turf as not environmentally sound and too high maintenance. This excellent article argues otherwise:
Can we Stop the Misinformation about Lawns?
The story includes these benefits (among others) of grass:
- Filters air pollutants
- Erosion control and dust stabilization “It’s particularly good at stopping initial movement of water down a slope.”
- Cools surface temperature
- Reduces noise pollution
- Reduces pests like snakes, rodents, mosquitos and ticks.
- Captures and stores carbon (Turfgrass roots die off within a year – which increases organic matter in the soil.)
- Catches, filters and conserves surface water to reduces run off of contaminants.
- Cultural and recreational benefits (Yes, benefits to humans are included in definitions of eco-services.)
The National Park Service agrees, adding that “Turfgrass Supports Bioremediation: Pollutants, such hydrocarbons and heavy metals, that are detrimental to the health of people, plants, and animals, often end up in our soil where these substances can be broken down by bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. A healthy stand of turfgrass possesses an extensively fibrous root system, providing both the habitat and energy source for these microbial populations to be much more productive than other plant systems.”
Bennett Park in Upper Manhattan
Here’s a letter from residents of Upper Manhattan protesting the imminent installation of artificial turf in Bennett Park that will replace a grass field that needs refurbishing. They outline hazards of synthetic turf with many good links to studies and news. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1W5QOwqgX_UKgUZULo1x7SX-ks3FYfLsdMtaTws8dGzQ/viewform?edit_requested=true
Artificial Turf Infill: A Comparative Assessment of Chemical Contents
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1048291120906206
All artificial turf fields pose a number of concerns, including high temperatures, loss of green space, and migration of infill particles and particles of synthetic grass fibers into surrounding soil and wate