advertisement
8 January 2024
Artificial turf offers undeniable advantages, especially in water-scarce regions like Arizona, where it conserves this precious resource. However, beneath the surface of vibrant green lawns lie environmental concerns that are causing scientists to raise their eyebrows. While many local facilities, including football fields, playgrounds, and residences, have already embraced artificial turf, the mass adoption of this synthetic alternative could lead to unforeseen ecological problems.
A recent study by the National Nonprofit Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) has brought troubling issues to light. Artificial turf has been found to release per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals,” into the soil and adjacent wetlands or water bodies. This release poses serious environmental risks.
Furthermore, artificial turf creates an impervious surface that hinders the natural soil’s ability to support insects and breathe. This surface significantly raises ground temperatures, contributing to localized heat islands, which can become so scorching that they have been known to melt tennis shoes.
Studies also reveal that the water required to cool artificial turf on a hot day can surpass the water needs of certain natural grasses in similar conditions. Unfortunately, this cooling effect is transient, lasting just around 20 minutes. Moreover, artificial turf sheds plastic fibers into the environment as a source of plastic pollution. Recent research found that more than 15% of mesoplastics and macroplastics in nearby bodies of water were composed of artificial turf fibers.
Adding to the concerns, PFAS have been detected in artificial turf. Originally discovered in 2019 by PEER and The Ecology Center, these chemicals serve various purposes in artificial turf production, including aiding plastic extrusion and enhancing resistance to heat, stains, and water. Due to their resilient carbon-fluorine bonds, PFAS are categorized as “forever chemicals” and do not readily degrade in the environment.
PFAS have been associated with a range of health issues, including cancer, developmental problems in infants and children, fertility and pregnancy complications, disruption of human hormones, and immune system disorders. These immune system effects are particularly disconcerting in the context of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Extensive toxicity studies have consistently linked PFAS to these adverse health outcomes.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed regulatory limits for six PFAS, asserting that there is no safe dose for PFOA and PFOS in drinking water. Artificial turf poses a multifaceted problem by exposing athletes and children who play on these surfaces to PFAS through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal absorption. Furthermore, PFAS leach into surrounding waters, potentially contaminating drinking water supplies.
In response to these alarming findings, PEER has initiated a national campaign advocating for the ban of artificial turf to safeguard public health and protect the environment. Collaborating with scientists, school authorities, and concerned parents, this effort seeks to address these critical issues posed by artificial turf.
advertisement
Thinking about exploring Arizona caves? You’re in luck if you’re a spelunker! Several cave systems in Arizona are well-known and accessible to the public, offering a mix of guided tours and self-exploration: Kartchner Caverns – Famous for its preserved formations and extensive guided tours, Kartchner is a must-see for any visitor. Learn More » Peppersauce Cave – A favorite for more adventurous explorers, Peppersauce allows visitors to experience a raw and natural cave environment. Learn More » Colossal Cave – Located near Tucson, this cave provides both standard and advanced tours for those seeking a challenge. Learn More » Grand
Across the deserts, grasslands, and pine forests of Arizona and New Mexico, native predators once prowled: jaguars, wolves, and even grizzly bears once claimed Arizona as their home. Today, most of these species are gone, victims of hunting, habitat loss, and human expansion. But what if human intervention could remedy this? advertisement Jaguars Conservationists have long debated reintroducing jaguars into their historic range. Unlike some extinct or extirpated species, jaguars have garnered public fascination and broad support, making their comeback more politically and socially viable. Reintroducing jaguars wouldn’t just be a symbolic victory; it could help restore complex ecological interactions
Buying your first home can be exciting and a little nerve-wracking. For many buyers in Phoenix, Tucson, and the surrounding areas, one common concern is termites. If you’re house hunting, especially for older homes or condos built decades ago, termites are something you’ll likely encounter one day. advertisement Termites Are Common, Not Catastrophic In Phoenix and Tucson, termites are almost a given for older wood-constructed homes. Local homeowners joke that there are only two kinds of houses here: those that have had termites and those that will have termites. While the word “infestation” can sound alarming, a detected termite presence
The Mexican gray wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) is one of the rarest subspecies of gray wolf in North America and a symbol of both ecological resilience and conservation success. Once nearly extinct, this small gray wolf has become the focus of one of the most closely monitored wildlife recovery efforts in the United States. advertisement A Species on the Brink By the late 1970s, only seven Mexican gray wolves remained in captivity. Their disappearance from the wild was driven by habitat loss, hunting, and predator control programs. The survival of this subspecies depended entirely on careful intervention and breeding programs.
advertisement
Cookie | Duration | Description |
---|---|---|
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional | 11 months | The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. |
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance | 11 months | This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". |
viewed_cookie_policy | 11 months | The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data. |