Cancer-causing chemicals are in the same rubber that artificial turf is made from. Artificial turf is found on children’s playgrounds and sports fields. 

The Sustainability Commission Committee met on Jan. 16 to discuss climate-friendly landscapes. They work to create a healthy community by proposing measurable solutions to pressing environmental, social, and economic concerns in the City of Eugene.

Commission member Laura Allen has many experiences and expertise when it comes to climate-friendly alternatives. Her career is centered around finding solutions to climate change through science.  “For me, doing the research and knowing this community it seems like regulating the compounds of concern is the best way forward,” said Allen. 

The compounds of concern that are found in artificial turf include lead, PFAS chemicals, and microplastics. PFAS chemicals are Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. These are also called “forever chemicals” and are harmful to humans. They create an increase in cancers, such as kidney, testicular, and prostate cancer. According to the meeting, states like Maryland now regulate lead and PFAS chemicals in playground surfacing materials.

Alexi Miller is an Associate Technical Director at New Buildings Institute, NBI. He has expertise in topics of zero energy and zero carbon buildings. He is also a member of the Commissions Committee. He suggested a temporary prohibition, called a moratorium, as a solution. “We should recommend that maybe a 5–10-year moratorium on artificial turf due to compounds of concern,” said Miller. The committee agreed and wants to move forward on this path. 

Jan Bohman is the sustainability commission chair, and she wants public health and safety to be the driving force behind this decision. “We want to be thinking about the public impact, and I think that is clearer when you’re talking about where children play,” said Bohman.  Specifically talking about sports fields, people’s lawns, and playgrounds. 

Putting this out to the public and letting them understand the dangers around artificial turf and what’s inside is also a big factor. A lot of people don’t know the dangers of these chemicals that are in artificial turf. “There will be a community discussion about why the city would even think about this… No one is going to be arguing to put cancer-causing chemicals on children’s fields,” said Allen. 

On Oct. 17, 2023, the European Union placed multiple restrictions and bans on microplastics. This ban extends to crumb rubber infill, which is the most common base layer in artificial turf. If other countries can notice this and take measures to regulate and ban it, why can’t the U.S? 

The fight against artificial turf

By Tony Adamo