Debunking the Myth: Synthetic Grass is Perfectly Safe, Say Scientists

1. March 20, 2017 Debunking the Myth: Synthetic Grass is Perfectly Safe, Say Scientists Image 1: It Is Safe For Athletes and Kids to Play Sports on Synthetic Grass? With the popularity of the internet has come a deluge of information--some of which can be misleading. This makes it important for science to debunk ridiculous myths that can potentially damage a budding industry like artificial grass manufacturing. Page | 1

2. While it’s quite understandable for some parents and athletes to voice out their concerns about using synthetic grass in homes, schools, playing fields, and playgrounds, it appears that their fears are unfounded. Why everyone is getting concerned It’s understandable to fear things you cannot fully understand. In this case, the cause for misunderstanding is the chemical nature of synthetic grass itself. With many companies promoting “natural is better”, some consumers have been led to believe that anything synthetic is no good. However, there really is no scientific or medical evidence proving that playing sports on artificial turf is bad for the health. So far, however, no medical data has backed those claims yet. Furthermore, several government agencies led by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) conducted an extensive scientific study on the supposed detrimental effects of artificial grass on human health. None of the reports submitted by these agencies had even hinted that synthetic turf can cause serious medical conditions. Not Detrimental to Health Aside from government agencies, several private research laboratories decided to conduct their own experiments to either validate or debunk these health hazard claims. To date, no private laboratory has released a report that actually declared synthetic grass unsafe to use. An example of this is a public health letter released by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services in Boston, Massachusetts in response to a letter sent by a concerned citizen regarding the use of synthetic turf in a town’s soccer fields. Page | 2

3. In the letter, the department clarified that, though they found that synthetic turf contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), several volatile organic compounds, and trace metals during their experiments, the amount of these chemicals are not significant enough to trigger an exposure (either through skin or inhalation) that will be detrimental to health. Safe for Playgrounds and Fields The letter also made reference of another independent government study conducted by the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment that basically also declared synthetic turf as safe for playgrounds and fields. The California study further noted that even with open skin abrasions, the potential of that the wound will get infected if it gets in contact with the chemicals found in synthetic grass is very minimal. In fact, the study even found that there is less bacteria present on artificial turf than on natural grass. The study did, however, acknowledged the fact that there are more observed skin abrasions on athletes who play on artificial turf than those who play on natural grass. Still, this type of injury can be prevented by wearing protective equipment such as knee pads and shin guards. These studies should be enough to convince you of how safe artificial turf is for everyone. Of course, proper installation makes all the difference, so turn to professional installation companies for help. About Sunburst Landscaping: We at Sunburst Landscaping are deeply committed to give our customers the best landscaping and professional artificial grass installation services they’ll ever experience. Our main office is Page | 3

4. located in Peoria but we are more than willing to extend our services for those residing in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and the rest of Greater Arizona. Sources: Why Science Over Speculation Matters When It Comes to the Turf Debate, HuffingtonPost.com Crumb Rubber Evaluation, Massachusetts, LexingtonMA.gov Page | 4