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Artificial Turf Wars: Lessons From the Battlefield​

Published on June 24, 2026

By Yuki Nakayama, Ecology Center Writer, and Bailey Flannery, Environmental Storyteller Fellow

Organic grass turf is cheaper and safer, yet artificial turf is marketed as an "innovative green solution" that's recyclable and maintenance-free. Despite the greenwashing, artificial turf pollutes through microplastics, lead, and PFAS, making it an environmental issue. Now, public athletic fields are the battleground for key decisions on environmental and health safety at various levels of local government. ​

The Ecology Center interviewed Diana Carpinone and Tracy Stewart, community organizers who oppose artificial turf. Carpinone created Non-Toxic Communities to provide toxic-free play spaces for her child. Stewart, a fourth-generation Medway, Massachusetts resident, fought her city’s plans for new artificial turf fields. Both women shared lessons from a decade in the artificial turf debate.

Artificial Turf: Plastic, Polluting, and More Expensive  

Artificial turfs are made from plastic and often recycled tire waste. These materials create microplastics and leach toxic chemicals. Stewart cited research by Zhenyu Tian showing artificial turf from tires contributes to salmon deaths. Human health is at risk, too. The Ecology Center co-authored a study linking artificial turf to illnesses like heart attack, stroke, and diabetes. Jeff Gearhart, Ecology Center Research Director, noted that ongoing studies show that older artificial turfs become more dangerous over time.  

Children and youth athletes use athletic fields the most. Artificial turf poses short- and long-term health risks, especially for children. Studies show ACL injuries are more likely on artificial turf fields because it traps feet during pivots, increasing knee strain. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals from turf may cause future fertility problems. Many of these risks can be reduced by using organic grass fields.

Artificial turf is often not cost-effective. Stewart pointed out that installation can cost $2 million or more. This does not include ongoing maintenance costs, which increase as the field ages. Carpinone said that not maintaining artificial turf—that is, not cleaning or removing contaminated infill, controlling dust from the turf that emits VOCs (volatile organic compounds) , and ensuring proper drainage—may increase risks. These include greater exposure to toxic chemicals, higher infection risk from turf burns, and more heat-related illnesses because synthetic turf heats up without regular maintenance.

Artificial turf has hidden costs, such as water filtration and disposal. Lead and PFAS from turf require new filtration systems. These costs are often overlooked before installation. Stewart said local water users usually pay for these filters, increasing the financial burden on the entire community, even years after the turf is gone.

Stewart described how artificial turf disposal in Pennsylvania results in hidden costs. While turf is stored on farms at a low fee, toxic chemicals can seep into the soil, resulting in much higher costs. Many farmers are left with turf when disposal companies go out of business. Sometimes, turf is dumped illegally. These unclear costs burden communities for years. We need strong regulations to ensure turf is safely disposed of at the end of its life.    

Caripone offered guidance on how to prevent the industry from steamrolling local communities and their health and safety concerns: “To start, it’s important to carefully scrutinize the claims made by the artificial turf industry. Make sure grass experts are part of the planning, not just turf company engineers. And, make sure to push for industry accountability.”

Organic Grass: Cheaper, Safer, and Environmental

Organic grass fields are cheaper and safer thanks to advances in maintenance. Grass does not need high levels of pesticides; organic methods like compost topdressing control weeds. Choosing artificial turf to avoid pesticides ignores the toxic chemicals it contains. Carpinone also said reclaimed water can be used for natural grass, reducing local water demand.          

Actions Prioritizing People over Profits

The Ecology Center advocates for organic grass fields to keep children safe during activities. Children have no say in field decisions but take on the greatest risks as primary users.  ​

There are no federal bans on artificial turf. Only Vermont, California, Minnesota, and New York have state restrictions. The Ecology Center is calling for clear safety standards and strict rules to limit the use of artificial turf.

​For those looking to join the fight in their own communities, Stewart reminds them: “Be prepared for long-term effort; don’t think it’s a single fight that will be over in a few weeks or months. Talk to decision-makers and understand their position on the matter. And make sure other community members are informed, because some towns do not allow for residents to be part of legal decisions.”

Fighting artificial turf is worthwhile. It puts children before profits. It shows communities do not have to pay extra for specialized water filters to protect health and safety from turf chemicals.

Bottom line: We should not pay more to expose children and communities to toxic chemicals.

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