The European Union has banned the sale of products with intentionally added microplastics and products that release microplastics over time, including crumb rubber artificial turf infill. Prominent scientists from Yale, Duke, and other universities argue in Environmental Science & Technology for the need to pass similar regulations internationally.
In short:
- The European Chemicals Agency estimates that Europe releases 218,000 tons of microplastics into the environment annually.
- This ban is one of the first major regulations to include artificial turf infill, which is one of the largest individual contributors to microplastics release.
- Crumb rubber artificial turf infill - which is made from shredded tires - contains hundreds of potentially harmful chemicals and can be replaced with natural materials like coconut fiber and sand.
Key quote:
“In the interest of maintaining human health and the environment, it is time for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the regulatory bodies of other countries to follow the EU in reining in microplastic pollution.”
Why this matters:
The global release of microplastics is estimated to be a staggering 3.2 million tons every year. Individual countries - including the UK and US - have previously passed legislation addressing microplastics, but those laws were limited to personal care products, which account for only 2% of microplastic pollution. The EU ban shows that it’s possible to pass comprehensive laws that tackle the threat of microplastics, and the authors of this article push for other regulatory bodies to take the same steps to protect human health internationally.
Related EHN coverage:
- California governor vetoes bill that would require microplastic filters on washing machines
- Hidden gotcha in artificial turf installations
- Concerns rise over cancer risk from artificial turf in youth soccer
More resources:
- WATCH: Environmental Health Impacts of Synthetic Turf and Safer Alternatives (CHE webinar)
- Toxic Use Reduction Institute: Athletic Playing Fields: Selecting Safer Alternatives
Zuccaro, Philip et al. for Environmental Science & Technology. Feb. 1, 2024
