The Los Angeles City Council passed a motion Friday, June 28, to compile information and recommendations that could lead to a ban on new artificial turf installations.
All artificial turf products are incredibly harmful in part because they contain hazardous substances like PFAS – perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances – otherwise known as “forever chemicals” because they last for thousands of years and are toxic at very low levels.
“This vote by the LA City Council is a big step in the right direction to protect our region’s public health and waterways,” said Kelly Shannon McNeill, associate director of LA Waterkeeper, an organization that fights for the health of the region’s waterways.
“Despite industries’ best efforts to avoid regulation, we are finally seeing progress made to protect Americans from these dangerous forever chemicals,” she continued. “Phasing out and eventually banning the use of artificial turf is an important step in that process and is critical to protect the health of our communities, wildlife and our environment.”
PFAS pose a significant threat to public health and pollute waterways and drinking water supply. These chemicals are linked to increased incidence of cancer, liver and kidney disease, reproductive issues and hormonal disruptions. Though experts estimate that more than 200 million Americans are exposed to PFAS through drinking water, the Environmental Protection Agency and other regulators are just now looking at ways to address this serious health hazard’s prevalence within our nation’s waters.
To address the lack of information about the presence of PFAS in U.S. surface waters, 113 Waterkeeper groups across the nation tested these waters for PFAS contamination. In 2022, 83% of the samples showed detection of at least one PFAS compound, and in LA Waterkeeper’s tests in the LA River over the last two years, all but one site tested positive for between seven and 15 types of PFAS.
All artificial turf products are known to contain hazardous PFAS chemicals, among other petroleum products and additives. Independent testing of supposedly “PFAS free” products show they contain harmful levels of these substances. Due to this, artificial turf is not a safe playing surface for children or animals.
It is significantly hotter than natural groundcover, and it risks further polluting our waterways. Every time it gets rained on or water is otherwise applied, artificial turf leaches PFAS, microplastics and more into storm drains, which empty completely untreated water into the LA River, its tributaries and ultimately the Pacific Ocean. This puts wildlife and water recreators at risk of harm.
The use of artificial turf is fairly widespread across the LA region, but safer alternatives exist. California drought-resistant landscaping provides multiple benefits to communities and the environment. It saves water while providing habitat for pollinators and other native wildlife, helping to reduce urban runoff and absorbing carbon from the atmosphere.
The city’s Department of Water and Power (LADWP) provides turf replacement rebates for residential and commercial customers to install sustainable, low water-use landscaping. Homeowners who already have artificial turf should keep a look out for future programs that will support removal and replacement with drought-resistant alternatives.
For more information about replacing grass or artificial turf with California-friendly landscaping, see https://www.ladwp.com/who-we-are/water-system/water-conservation/turf-replacement-rebate.
For more information about LA Waterkeeper’s work, please visit https://www.lawaterkeeper.org/.
Me gusta que el condado de Los Ángeles esté tomando esta medida de prevención no dando más permisos y consentimiento para nuevas instalaciones me gustaría que otros condados y estados también prohibieran pastos artificiales que contengan químicos que dañen la salud de humanos y animales hoy muy contento con estas medidas que está tomando nuestros políticos también me gustaría qué los 4 de Julios tuviera cada ciudad juesgos de luces láser es menos peligro también que hubiera música y juegos familiares saltar en saco correr y meter un palito en un círculo pequeño carreras a pie y cosas divertidas y sanas también premios para los o los concursantes así muchos nos gustaría ir ver estos eventos gratuitos sanos y muy divertidos con alegrías para todos
I like that Los Angeles County is taking this prevention measure by not giving more permits and consent for new facilities. I would like other counties and states to also prohibit artificial grasses that contain chemicals that damage the health of humans and animals. Today very happy with these measures that our politicians are taking. I would also like the 4 of July to have each city, laser lights. It is less danger that there was music and family games, jump in a sack, run and put a stick in a small circle, walking races and healthy things. Also prizes for the contestants, so many of us would like to go to see these free healthy and very fun events with joys for everyone.