Connecticut says artificial turf is safe

ERJ staff report (DS)

Hartford, Connecticut -- Connecticut has published the results of a 2-year study into environmental impacts associated with artificial turf fields containing crumb rubber infill. The report finds that "shows that health risks are not elevated from playing on the fields."

Four state agencies, the University of Connecticut Health Center, the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, the Department of Public Health and the Department of Environmental Protection evaluated the health and environmental impacts associated with artificial turf fields containing crumb rubber infill.

The report concludes, "Exposures and risks were not elevated relative to what is commonly found in outdoor air for both children and adults using the fields. Indoor fields showed higher levels of chemical emissions. While these levels do not suggest a health risk, DPH recommends ventilation of indoor fields. Developers of new indoor fields should consider alternatives to crumb rubber infill as a cushioning agent."

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Press release from Connecticut Dept of Environmental Protection

Full report from Connecticut Dept of Environmental Protection