Ban turf fields in Philadelphia parks | Editorial

It’s never a good sign when a former Environmental Protection Agency official says the city was “bamboozled.”

But that was how Kyla Bennett reacted when she learned Philadelphia officials were told that an artificial turf playing surface — the centerpiece of a $7.5 million renovation to a recreation center — was free of PFAS, the forever chemicals linked to cancer, asthma, and other health issues.

Bennett knew such a guarantee was impossible since PFAS-free turf does not exist. Even the head of the Synthetic Turf Council, which represents turf manufacturers, admitted as much in a letter to California lawmakers.

Yet, Sprinturf, the turf maker, told Philadelphia officials the surface didn’t contain forever chemicals. The company provided a lab report to back its claim, a spokesperson for the city told The Inquirer.

Bennett, and two other independent experts, reviewed the test results. They found them to be flawed and concluded the turf likely contained forever chemicals.

“Their detection limits were way too high, designed to not detect PFAS,” Bennett told Inquirer reporters David Gambacorta and Barbara Laker, who have spent the past year investigating the risks from forever chemicals.

The Inquirer’s investigative reports have examined troubling links to cancer involving the protective gear worn by firefighters, the turf at Veterans Stadium, where the Phillies and Eagles once played, and turf at youth sports facilities.

The turf council said the available research has not found a significant health risk from playing on synthetic fields. But that has not calmed the fears of some parents and elected officials across the country.

Portsmouth, N.H., spent $3.5 million for a turf field after being assured it contained no toxic chemicals. After residents raised concerns, the city conducted tests and found PFAS chemicals.

Similar turf battles have erupted in cities and towns in New Jersey and beyond, prompting officials to take action. California passed a measure last year that allowed municipalities to ban turf fields. New York recently banned the sale of turf fields with forever chemicals. Similar bills have been introduced in Massachusetts and Vermont.

In 2022, the mayor of Boston wisely banned the use of artificial turf in all city parks due to the risks of toxic forever chemicals. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker and City Council should follow Boston’s lead.

The first step should be to remove the turf at the recreation center in South Philadelphia where the city was “bamboozled.” The city should also cancel plans to install turf fields in Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park or any other city facilities.

This board voiced support for the broader renovations to FDR Park, but the risks associated with the turf fields are not worth the de minimis benefits. In addition to the forever chemicals found in the turf fields, studies show a higher rate of injuries compared with playing on grass.

Beyond the chemical and injury risks associated with turf fields, Philadelphia is also exposing taxpayers to costly lawsuits from individuals who get cancer or are hurt playing on the synthetic grass.

Turf field supporters argue the synthetic grass is easier to care for and allows more playing time. But the up-front cost is substantial, and the turf does not last forever — just the chemicals.

Disposing of old turf fields is another environmental concern. The Inquirer investigation found that Pennsylvania is a dumping ground for old turf, which the state Department of Environmental Protection considers “solid waste.”

Some argue forever chemicals are already everywhere — in cookware, furniture, clothing, and toys. But that does not mean the city should add to the risk by exposing residents to more PFAS.

Of particular concern are the children who face the most risk from playing on the turf fields. The EPA warned that growing children are more susceptible to the harmful effects of forever chemicals.

Studies show that poorer neighborhoods, especially those made up largely of Black and brown residents, already face a disproportionate amount of environmental hazards. Turf fields add to the harm and inequality.

Parker and City Council should do all they can to protect the most vulnerable. Banning turf fields is a good start.