Santa Clara’s Possible Infill Toxic Turf Ban

Getting to Know Artificial Turf and Its Infill

Artificial turf is increasingly popular in athletic fields, parks, and playgrounds. Beyond the aesthetic potential lies the difference in construction, an entirely synthetic surface made with durable synthetic fibers that resemble natural grass. Many of these systems rely on an infill material, most frequently crumb rubber recycled from old tires, to erect the fibers and offer cushion. Regrettably, worries have been raised about:

• Toxic chemicals found in crumb rubber have been linked to potential harm to athletes and communities located near turf fields.
• Exposure to harmful substances and the leaching of these chemicals into soil and water can cause long-term ecological impacts.
• Infill systems can become irradiated surfaces, raising ambient surface temperatures and creating thermal discomfort and even dangerous heat events.