"Testing for specific PFAS in artificial turf revealed the presence of PFOA and PFOS, both of which have been banned from production in the U.S. because they are known carcinogens."
Factual History
1. In 2014, 72 percent of Glen Rock residents voted against artificial turf.
2. In 2021, the world was in the throes of the deadly Coronavirus pandemic. During this time it was difficult (and in some cases illegal) to gather in groups. This inhibited the ability to garner votes to again place an artificial turf vote on a town-wide ballot.
Mayor Kristine Morieko and her council chose this time during the Coronavirus pandemic to approve rendering a grass field into artificial turf (without a town-wide vote). This ballot-less decision of Mayor Kristine Morieko and her council cost $3.5 million tax payer dollars.
3. Mayor Kristine Morieko spent $3.5 million tax payer dollars on artificial turf without a town-wide vote during a global pandemic and recession. Now in 2022, with the world struggling with inflation and a recession imminent, Mayor Kristine Morieko wants to take more tax payer dollars (click here) to further fund her artificial turf.
Please see Mayor Kristine Morieko's comments above. Are these the words/thoughts of a Democrat with empathy? Or, the candid expression of a megalomaniac politician who thinks you are stupid?
Please remember the actions of these politicians. And please vote.
Health Danger
Cancer & Health Risks 10
▼
She now has a list of 230 soccer players, nearly all goalkeepers, who have played on artificial turf and developed cancers. "Why is this?" she said. "I thought it might be like asbestos, where it took 35 years for people to see the danger."
The lawn replacement contains large amounts of toxic chemicals. They are called "forever chemicals" because they don't naturally break down, and are linked to cancer, liver problems, thyroid issues, birth defects, and kidney disease.
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.
"These chemicals belong to a class of chemicals that have been associated with various health issues including cancer, which adds to the growing concern regarding the artificial grass replacement."
Total carcinogenic risk (R) values for the different age categories were higher than 1E-04 for three football artificial grass fields, which indicated a high cancer risk development probability.
"The organization also notes that cases of cancer among young people who have played on these fields have continued to increase - mainly lymphomas and leukemias, mostly among soccer goal keepers."
"They are alarmed by some studies calling out the potential health risks of crumb rubber and the exposure of young people to cancer-causing chemicals, lead and other dangerous toxins."
"And kids playing on these fields are exposed to leaching and off-gassing chemicals known to have carcinogenic, repro-toxic, mutagenic, and endocrine-disrupting effects."
"Also, artificial turf is often treated with biocides, as turf has been associated with increased risk of infections from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. MRSA is a dangerous infection..."
NFL & Sports Injuries 7
▼
"Our union has raised this concern repeatedly over the past few years, and we believe it is now time for a complete overhaul."
"For many, one play during Super Bowl LVI in 2022 on SoFi Stadium's artificial turf field was all the evidence they needed for the turf's injurious nature."
"More than 90% of pro ballers prefer natural fields, according to multiple years of surveys by the NFL Players Association."
"Over that decade, tears of posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) were about three times more likely on artificial turf than on grass at all three college football levels."
"The players overwhelmingly prefer it and the data is clear that grass is simply safer than artificial turf."
"Players have a 32% higher rate of non-contact knee injuries on turf and a staggering 69% higher rate of non-contact foot/ankle injuries on turf compared to grass."
"93% said playing on artificial turf would shorten their careers; 91% said artificial surfaces cause more soreness and fatigue. And 85% said infill systems were more likely to contribute to injury."
New Jersey Local 7
▼
"Public sentiment swung the other way in Glen Rock, New Jersey, where voters turned down plans to install an artificial turf field at Faber Field, with 72 percent opposing the project and 28 percent in favor."
Synthetic turf components are not only destructive to the environment but also contain a myriad of chemicals known to be harmful to humans, including carcinogens, neurotoxicants, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
Artificial turf is known to be much hotter than natural grass and often contains PFAS-polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as "forever chemicals." These chemicals can seep into groundwater and have been linked to cancer, causing concern in local communities.
Local advocates scored a major victory against plastic pollution on Tuesday, November 7, 2023 when voters in Westfield, New Jersey rejected the hefty $11.8 million bond measure needed to fund the installation of six acres of fake plastic grass.
Synthetic artificial turf contains semi-volatile organic compounds and heavy metals that can leach into the environment, posing a potential risk to the ecosystem and human health.
The showdown in Scotch Plains is one of several fights over artificial turf being waged across New Jersey as some residents raise concerns about the environmental, health and safety costs of ripping out natural grass and replacing it with artificial fields.
Ridgewood NJ, according to sources storm damage during Hurricane Ida to the synthetic turf at the RHS Stadium and Stevens Field will cost taxpayers $150,250.00 to repair.
Environmental & Industry 8
▼
In 2020, the company said its fields in New Jersey covered more than 60 million square feet - "enough to surface all of Central Park, twice!"
".....a class of nearly indestructible chemicals also linked to health harms including low birth weight, birth defects and certain types of cancer, has also raised concerns. And in hot weather, synthetic turf reaches higher temperatures than natural turf fields do, which can lead to heat exposure."
A six-month NJ Advance Media investigation found FieldTurf, the top U.S. maker of artificial sports fields, made millions selling high-end turf to taxpayers in towns and schools across N.J. and the U.S. after knowing it was falling apart.
"As fields are replaced, billions of pounds of rubber and synthetic fiber are piling up because the U.S. has no plan for disposing of this product."
"Despite being touted as a completely recyclable alternative to grass, there are no companies in the U.S. that can completely recycle them, according to a trade association president."
"While these advantages have powerful appeal, synthetic turf comes with an unfortunate host of established and potential health and environmental risks."
"Artificial grass contains a known allergen latex and a host of phthalates, or plasticizers. The plasticizers break down and release potentially harmful substances that affect the kidneys, lungs, reproductive organs and liver if breathed in or accidentally ingested."
"It is a myth that artificial turf is cheaper than natural grass. Artificial turf fields must be vacuumed to remove all leaves and debris. They must have the fibers brushed up regularly and occasionally be deep raked to loosen up the infill. Fields must also be disinfected, washed, and have loose seams repaired."
Video 1
▼
Watch this video overview of the dangers associated with artificial turf fields.
No articles found matching your search.