In Northern California, Santa Clara County supervisors are considering banning artificial turf on county lands, citing health risks and pollution concerns, while opponents warn it could worsen the shortage of sports fields.
Candice Nguyen, Michael Bott, Jeremy Carroll, Michael Horn, Robbie Beasom, and Michael Campbell report for NBC Bay Area.
In short:
- Saratoga High School’s artificial turf replacement raised concerns when its old field was found dumped instead of repurposed as claimed.
- Activists and experts warn artificial turf contributes to pollution and contains harmful chemicals, including PFAS, while recycling options remain limited.
- Opponents argue a ban would reduce access to durable playing fields, which are essential for community sports in drought-prone regions.
Key quote:
“There’s no good answer for the disposal of artificial turf. The problem with artificial turf is that it’s plastic and chemicals. Once you create it, then you have it for a lifetime.”
— Dr. Cindy Russell, Santa Clara County Medical Association
Why this matters:
Artificial turf fields, often seen as durable and low-maintenance, contribute to plastic pollution and expose communities to potential health hazards. As replacements are needed every decade, disposal remains a critical environmental challenge with few sustainable solutions.
