Developed in the 1960s, artificial turf has become increasingly popular for athletic fields and playing fields because they require little maintenance, use no fertilizers or pesticides, and have padding which helps prevent injuries. Thousands of professional sports teams, universities, high schools and town, city, and county parks across the country use synthetic turf for their fields.

Concern about the health risks associated with these fields led to a review by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and the NYC Parks Department of scientific research studies carried out in the United States and Europe which assessed potential exposures and health risks for people using turf fields containing crumb rubber. DOHMH concluded that the potential for exposure to chemicals is probably too small to increase the risk for any health effects. The full report can be read by clicking here.

The Health Department also completed an air quality survey to measure the air above synthetic turf fields containing crumb rubber infill for chemicals. Results show that air quality at the synthetic turf fields surveyed is similar to the air quality at natural grass fields. To read the full report, click here.

Findings from both reports have been shared with other local, state and federal agencies.