Result of State Artificial Turf Fields Study: No Elevated Health Risk
But higher contaminant levels at an indoor field suggest ventilation needs
HARTFORD – A new study of artificial turf fields containing crumb rubber infill conducted by four state agencies shows that health risks are not elevated from playing on the fields. However, higher contaminant levels at one indoor field indicate that ventilation of indoor fields should be considered. Storm water run off findings indicate that proper management of this run off is prudent to address possible environmental effects.
The study findings were peer reviewed by the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering, whose comments were incorporated into the final report.
“This study presents good news regarding the safety of outdoor artificial turf fields,” stated Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. J. Robert Galvin. “While the findings indoors were below the health risk targets, the elevated contaminant levels suggest a need to ventilate these fields so they can be brought to the level of safety outdoors. What we’ve learned from this study in Connecticut will provide valuable guidance to municipalities, schools and others who operate or are considering installing artificial playing fields.”
Study Background
The four state agencies, the University of Connecticut Health Center, the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, the Department of Public Health and the Department of Environmental Protection evaluated the health and environmental impacts associated with artificial turf fields containing crumb rubber infill. A key aspect of the study was a field investigation conducted in July 2009, when the UCONN Health Center sent a team of researchers to four outdoor fields and one indoor field across Connecticut. Three soccer players at each field were equipped with personal monitoring devices and the recorded results, together with the stationary samplers, were used to characterize possible exposures. Overall, approximately 200 chemicals were tested at each field.
Health Risk Assessment
The Department of Public Health (DPH) used the data from the field investigation to evaluate health risks. Exposures and risks were not elevated relative to what is commonly found in outdoor air for both children and adults using the fields. Indoor fields showed higher levels of chemical emissions. While these levels do not suggest a health risk, DPH recommends ventilation of indoor fields. Developers of new indoor fields should consider alternatives to crumb rubber infill as a cushioning agent.
Environmental Evaluation
The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) evaluated the environmental risk associated with storm water runoff from the artificial turf fields tested in the air study. Three of eight storm water samples showed elevated levels of zinc leaching from the fields that may present a risk to aquatic organisms. Other metals and rubber related compounds tested in run off were not elevated. Based on these results, DEP concludes that there is no risk to drinking water from this runoff, but a potential risk exists for surface waters and aquatic organisms.
The DEP suggests that use of storm water treatment measures may reduce the concentrations of zinc in the storm water runoff from artificial turf fields to levels below the acute aquatic toxicity criteria. Individual artificial turf field owners should evaluate the storm water drainage systems at the fields and the hydrologic and water quality characteristics of any receiving waters to determine the appropriateness of a storm water treatment measure.
CASE Review
The state agencies asked the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering (CASE) to review and comment on the study. CASE is a private, nonprofit, public service institution whose mission is to evaluate issues and technological advances that are of potential concern to the people of Connecticut. CASE assembled a nine member expert panel to review all aspects of the study. Comments included that cancer risks calculated by DPH may have been overestimates because of the inclusion of benzene detections that are likely not coming from the playing field but from the players themselves. To address CASE’s comments, the risk assessment describes the issues and finds that they do not change the overall conclusions and unlikely present added risk.
Background on Artificial Playing Fields and Crumb Rubber
Installation of artificial turf fields has become a more common practice as cities, towns, and educational institutions seek to reduce both maintenance needs created by the heavy use of grass fields and demands for water and pesticides needed for care of natural grass. One popular design for these fields involves the use of crumb rubber infill, which provides, drainage, a layer of padding and holds the blades of synthetic grass upright. The crumb rubber used in artificial turf fields is mainly composed of recycled tires, which contain man-made and natural rubber. Chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be found in the crumb rubber. Crumb rubber can also contain heavy metals such as zinc and copper.
The study was funded with $245,000 available to DEP for special projects from the settlement of cases involving violations of environmental regulations.
For more information and to view the entire study, please visit www.ct.gov/dep/artificialturf
If you’re not sure whether you will need infill along with your fake turf system, you’re not alone. To make things simple, here is a quick overview of when you will and will not need an infill base solution.
You will need an infill based solution if you’re purchasing synthetic lawns for athletics, commercial playground structures, dog exercise runs and high traffic areas.
You do not need an infill based solution if you’re purchasing artificial grass for pets to go the bathroom, aesthetic reasons, steep hills or slopes, balconies, decks, patios, 500-square-foot areas or smaller, backyard play structures, commercial applications and retail applications.
When installed, however, infill provides an organic look and feel to artificial lawns. An infill based solution encourages the individual blades to stand up straight and offers a softer feeling of soil when walked upon.
Commercial developers across the country are realizing the benefits of artificial grass. Artificial Turf Supply offers high-quality commercial-grade artificial grass designed specifically for large scale projects such as residential communities, shopping malls, industrial complexes and other commercial structures.
By simply installing fake turf instead of natural grass, developers can reduce landscape development costs and maintenance. For example, fake turf eliminates the need for watering, mowing, weeding, pest control, reseeding and other services. Artificial grass also eliminates fungus problems and disease prevention services. In other words, artificial grass will save developers thousands of dollars in annual maintenance contracts, staff and equipment.
Our commercial-grade artificial turf provides a consistent surface that looks and feels just like natural grass. Whether you’re upgrading your existing property or designing a new structure, invest in synthetic grass today and enjoy serious savings tomorrow.
Every landscaping project begins with a dream. We can help transform your dream into reality with fake lawn grass. Whether you’re upgrading your lawn or poolside area, fake lawn grass is a cost-effective way to add healthy-looking grass and creative design to any outdoor area.
The first step to a beautiful landscaping project is determining your application. Ideal for large and small-space landscaping projects, synthetic lawns can be used to spruce up entire yards as well as narrow and tight poolside areas. Get creative by installing artificial grass for your rooftop garden or side-walk garden. You can even use artificial grass to create a welcoming dooryard garden.
Once you have determined the application, you will need to estimate the size of your project, select infill or without infill, and decide whether you can install it yourself or need a professional. During any step of this process, Artificial Turf Supply is available to help you and answer any questions you may have. Trust the experts at Artificial Turf Supply to help you create a beautiful outdoor area with artificial grass at wholesale prices.
Synthetic turf is quickly becoming recognized as a superior alternative to natural grass. A key characteristic that sets it apart from natural grass is durability.
Compared to natural grass, artificial turf endures continual use, even under heavy traffic and environmental stresses. Natural grass just isn’t as tough. For example, after rainfall, heavy watering and maintenance activities, natural grass requires recovery and repairing services. However, synthetic grass does not. Compared to synthetic lawns, natural grass can only accommodate 10 percent of the activity a synthetic surface can endure. On the other hand, synthetic grass endures nearly 12 times the annual use of a natural grass surface.
Along with the ability to withstand the elements and sustained use, artificial grass comes with an eight-year insurable, manufacturer’s warranty. A 10-year extended warranty is also available from leading artificial grass suppliers Artificial Turf Supply.
There are many reasons why homeowners are switching to artificial grass turf as an alternative to natural grass. One of these reasons includes owning multiple properties. Whether it is a vacation home in another country or a rental property on the other side of town, homeowners with multiple properties find it difficult to manage a healthy lawn and maintain high property values.
The costs to maintain a healthy lawn can get pricey. Especially if you’re not around to ensure quality, there is no guarantee that your property will feature lush green grass. However, when you buy artificial turf, you can say goodbye to the maintenance and operations costs associated with growing natural grass, including watering, mowing and weeding. As a cost-effective solution, artificial turf is ideal for vacation homes, rental properties and apartment buildings.
When it comes to vacation properties and rental homes, lawn maintenance is simply not practical. We offer artificial grass at wholesale prices, allowing homeowners and property managers the opportunity to invest in a product that will save them loads of time and money in the long run.
A synthetic lawn is an investment, one that provides incredible maintenance and operations savings over a long period of time. How much savings? According to a hypothetical study of the comparative costs of a synthetic turf system versus natural grass, for an area of 1,500 sq. ft. homeowners can save a total of $13,000 over a 15-year period.
Natural grass requires regular maintenance and operations costs. Monthly and yearly costs are spent on mowing, fertilizing, weed control and treatment, aeration, sprinkler maintenance and repair and other lawn maintenance services. According to the study, typical annual costs of these services and procedures equal $1,225. Multiply that number over a 15-year period and a homeowner ends up spending a total of $23,125 to maintain a healthy lawn.
An area of 1,500 sq. ft. of wholesale artificial turf costs an upfront investment of $10,125. While this amount may seem high for artificial grass, it is a savings of $13,000 over a 15-year period. By installing high-quality synthetic lawns, homeowners can say goodbye to maintenance and operations costs as well as the time and effort it takes to keep up a green lawn.
Many people wonder whether artificial turf is durable enough to withstand canines. This is a valid concern, since man’s best friend is notorious for destroying beautiful lawns. The answer is yes. The latest artificial turf has been designed to stand up to even the toughest pets, making it a cost-effective solution for pet owners who desire to have lush lawns.
Canines destroy natural grass by digging holes, creating dog paths and urine spots. These problems are so commons that pet owners are constantly searching for a type of turf grass that can survive daily canine routines. Unfortunately, there is no such thing. Natural grass simply doesn’t stand a chance against heavy pet traffic or human traffic for that matter.
Synthetic turf, on the other hand, is ideal for pets. It eliminates odors and mildew buildup caused by dogs. And when there is a mess, you can easily rinse off the area. Residential fake grass from Artificial Turf Supply makes it possible for pet owners to enjoy long-lasting, plush lawns for years and years.
Fake grass is becoming a practical alternative for natural grass, making it possible for homeowners to enhance the look of their homes and maintain the same high level of quality year-round.
One of the main reasons for maintaining a healthy, green lawn is to enhance the appearance of your home. Yet even with the best lawn care services, you can end up with a declining lawn. It is common for most lawns to experience bald, thin or weedy areas from time to time. If you don’t have the time, resources or money to deal with these issues as soon as possible, the damage will get worse. This is why many homeowners prefer to buy synthetic turf so that they can enjoy the look of a well-maintained and groomed lawn 365 days a year.
It is true that first generation artificial grass turfs looked anything but real. The first artificial grass turfs were rough and felt like thick blades of sharp plastic; uncomfortable to walk or play on. However, the manufacturing process used today produces soft, silky blades that are virtually indistinguishable from natural grass. What’s more, artificial grass prices have also dropped, making it an affordable option for everyone.
Artificial grass used to have a bad reputation and with good reason. Manufacturing companies were known to use lead for the coloration process, making it harmful for humans and pets. Another issue with the first models was that it was hard to walk on, resulting in burns, knee scrapes and joint injuries. But things have changed. The latest iteration of artificial turf is manufactured using an advanced process, resulting in a surface that looks and feel just like natural grass. Most importantly, it is safe for children and pets.
Artificial Turf Supply is proud to offer family-friendly synthetic grass made from a safe polyethylene fiber system. While natural grass is often sprayed with harmful chemicals and pesticides, the latest version of artificial grass is free of toxic substances and heavy metals, making it safe for children and pets. While natural grass can become slippery and unstable, the latest artificial lawn is also easier and much safer to walk and play on. With a soft, consistent surface, it lends to fewer slips and injuries.
The fact is that new generation artificial grass is safer than not only first generation artificial grass but also natural grass! If you desire to own a safe, family-friendly lawn, we encourage you to buy artificial turf today.