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
Among its many natural wonders, Arizona’s National Parks stand out as some of the most iconic and awe-inspiring places in the United States. These parks not only showcase the state’s geological and biological diversity but are also icons of the beauty of America’s natural heritage. Here’s a look at Arizona’s National Parks and what makes each one unique. advertisement 1. Grand Canyon National Park Best For: Iconic Views, Hiking, and Photography Arguably the most famous park in Arizona (and in the world), Grand Canyon National Park is an absolute must-see. The Grand Canyon spans 277 miles and is over a
Arizona is commonly known as the “Valley of the Sun” with over 300 days of sunshine a year. There are so many sunny days in Arizona that Phoenix has more sunshine days per year than any other metropolitan area in the country. In other words, if you suffer from Seasonal affective disorder, Arizona might be the state for you. The seasons are shorter and milder in Arizona (except perhaps for summer) — Arizona has an early spring with flowers blooming as early as January. Even the slightly chillier winter months won’t last long. Let’s find out what it’s like to
Arizona is famous for its desert landscapes, dramatic sunsets, and historic landmarks. But across the state, another form of art is quietly transforming walls, alleyways, and entire neighborhoods. Street art has become one of the most vibrant and accessible forms of creative expression in Arizona, turning ordinary buildings into outdoor galleries. From massive murals in downtown Phoenix to colorful installations in Tucson and unexpected pieces tucked into smaller towns, Arizona’s street art scene reflects the culture, history, and creativity of the communities that create it. advertisement Phoenix: A Growing Urban Canvas Phoenix has become the center of Arizona’s street art
Long before astronauts set foot on the lunar surface, scientists in Arizona were already studying it in remarkable detail. By the time President John F. Kennedy announced in 1961 that the United States would land a man on the moon before the end of the decade, researchers at the University of Arizona had already begun mapping the moon’s surface. Their work would prove critical to the success of NASA’s robotic missions and the historic Apollo landings. At the center of this effort was Gerard P. Kuiper, widely known as the father of modern planetary science. advertisement The Birth of Lunar
