Green Daily

Several groups in New York City are calling for a moratorium on the use of artificial turf on new sports fields in the city, pending a review of the health risks. Synthetic-turf fields, mainly composed of recycled tires, are the subject of growing concern among parents and environmentalists.

Even the NYC Department of Health's website admits that certain materials have been found in the crumb rubber used in artificial turf, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, metals, and volatile organic compounds. People can be exposed to these chemicals by placing their fingers in their mouth after playing on them, breathing in dust created by playing on the field, and direct skin contact with the crumb rubber.

But don't worry. According to the website, people in urban environments can be exposed to these chemicals anyway, just by "breathing air, eating food and by getting dirt or dust on their skin...from the wear and tear of tires on roads..the exhaust of engines..."

For now, the Department of Health recommends washing your hands after playing on a synthetic turf field or playground, good advice for anyone, no matter where you are located. The head of the NYC Parks, as quoted in the article, maintains that synthetic turf is safe, cheaper than grass and "green" as it does not require mowing, watering, herbicides and fertilizers.