From: Suzanne Hume
To: Montoya, Michelle
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Santa Rosa City Council Climate Action Subcommittee Date: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 3:30:26 PM
Attachments: City of Santa Rosa No Synthetic Letter CleanEarth4Kids.org.pdf CleanEarth4Kids.org supports the ban on synthetic turf. Our letter is attached.
Wishing you a great day!
Suzanne
Suzanne M. Hume
[email protected]
CleanEarth4Kids.org
Our Children's Health and Future Depend on the Actions We Take Today!
October 4, 2023
RE : No Synthetic Turf
CleanEarth4Kids.org strong supports banning the use of synthetic grass/artificial turf. Synthetic grass/artificial turf is harmful to human health and the environment.
Our youth, interns, and volunteers have worked hard to create videos and resources that can be found on ourCleanEarth4Kids.org Team 5: Stop Synthetic Turf page.1 Natural Grass is Best
We highly recommend the City of Santa Rosa follow organic land management practices, especially for managing playing fields.
Training is available online through theUniversity of California, Riversideand other locations.2
High-use, organically managed, natural grass fields have been in usein many areas includingIrvine, CA.3,4
Natural grass is the healthiest choicefor playing fields and parks.5Natural grass fields are more cost-effectivethansynthetic grass/artificial turf fields which have higher maintenance and long-term costs.6,7Natural grass fields are also cheaper to installthan synthetic grass/artificial turf.8
With proper care and maintenance, a natural grass field can accommodate any amount of play as demonstrated by Marblehead, MA with20 acres of organically managed fieldsfor over 15 years.9
Synthetic Grass/Artificial Turf is HOT
Synthetic grass/artificial turf is 40°-70°hotterthan surrounding air temperatures and has burned hands and feet.10Astudyby Brigham Young found the surface temperature of synthetic grass/artificial turf was 37º higher than asphalt and 86.5º 10https://www.safehealthyplayingfields.org/heat-levels-synthetic-turf/ 9https://www.turi.org/content/NaturalGrassPlayingFieldCaseStudyMarbleheadMAJune202019.pdf 8https://www.safehealthyplayingfields.org/cost-grass-vs-synthetic-turf 7https://www.safehealthyplayingfields.org/maintenance-grass-vs-synthetic-turf 6https://www.safehealthyplayingfields.org/s/Natural_Grass_Athletic_Fields_Ppoint_Final.ppt 5https://www.safehealthyplayingfields.org/health-benefits-of-natural-turf 4https://youtu.be/o3P1T3fgy6I
3https://www.nontoxiccommunities.com/organic-athletic-fields.html 2https://cpe.rutgers.edu/landscape/natural-turf-certificate 1https://cleanearth4kids.org/team-5-synthetic-turf-toxic-chemicals 1 hotter than natural grass.11A study found that in 90º weather, the surface temperature of a natural grass field was about 98º while a synthetic grass/artificial turf field wasover 160º.12Shoes have meltedfrom the heat on synthetic grass/artificial turf with players and coaches getting blisters on the bottom of their feet through their shoes.13First-degree burnsoccur at 118° with blistering and second-degree burns at 131°.14Several synthetic grass/artificial turf fields in the Los Angeles Unified School District are currentlycloseddue to high heat and melting surfaces.15
Playing on synthetic grass/artificial turf canincreasethe chance ofheat stroke, dehydration, and other heat-related illnesses.16,17Synthetic grass/artificial turf fields alsocreate heat islandswhich causehigher daytime and nighttime temperatures along with higher levels of air pollution.18,19
Synthetic grass/artificial turf also poses a flammability risk. The EPA stated that tire rubber in stockpiles, such as rolls of synthetic grass/artificial turf, can ignite and create fires that are difficult to extinguish and can burn for monthsgenerating toxic smoke and oils.20
Synthetic Grass/Artificial Turf is Dangerous to Athletes Synthetic grass/artificial turf fields containbacteriaand must be regularly cleaned with chemicals.21Turf burnsfrom synthetic grass/artificial turf can become infected with bacteria like staph and MRSA which can be life-threatening.22An EPA study foundMRSA in 70%of the fields tested.23
Playing on synthetic grass/artificial turf can cause more injuries. According to an NFL Players Association (NFLPA)study, playing and practicing on synthetic grass/artificial turf increases the chance of a lower extremity injury with a 69% higher rate of non-contact foot/ankle injuries than on natural grass.24The NFLPA has called forall NFL fields to be natural grass.25
Astudyof National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) athletes found playing on 25https://apnews.com/article/9b34d4402f2f82ae60708605f65aa560 24https://nflpa.com/posts/only-natural-grass-can-level-the-nfls-playing-field 23https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2019-08/documents/tc_public_webinar_-_august_6_2019.pdf 22https://www.healthline.com/health/turf-burn#pictures
21https://sportsturfnw.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Bass-paper-in-big-sky-journal.pdf 20https://www.ydr.com/in-depth/news/2019/11/18/old-artificial-turf-fields-pose-huge-waste-problem-envi 19https://www.epa.gov/heatislands/heat-island-impacts
18https://aces.nmsu.edu/programs/turf/documents/brigham-young-study.pdf 17https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/02656736.2019.1605096 16https://www.npr.org/2008/08/07/93364750/high-temps-on-turf-fields-spark-safety-concerns 15https://www.latimes.com/sports/highschool/story/2022-08-17/synthetic-l-a-unified-out-of-commission 14https://www.nist.gov/el/fire-research-division-73300/firegov-fire-service/fire-dynamics 13https://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/08/its-so-hot-in-texas-turf-is-melting-cleats 12https://www.center4research.org/injuries-related-to-artificial-turf/ 11https://aces.nmsu.edu/programs/turf/documents/brigham-young-study.pdf 2 synthetic grass/artificial turf greatly increased the chance of knee ligament injuries while anotherstudyof high school athletes found they were 58% more likely to sustain an injury playing on synthetic grass/artificial turf than natural grass.26,27 The United States Men’s Professional Soccer Team and other national teams only play on natural grass in the World Cup, and theUnited States Women’s Soccer Team sued FIFAto not play on synthetic grass/artificial turf due to the increased risk of injury.28Soccer legendLionel Messiwill only play on real grass.29 Studies have also shown that moreserious concussionscome from playing on synthetic grass/artificial turf compared to grass.30
Upon hearing of the death of David West, the sixth player from the Philadelphia Phillies to die of the same rare form of brain cancer (glioblastoma),Philadelphia Inquirerinvestigative journalists David Gambacorta and Barbara Lakerinvestigated pieces of AstroTurf from Veterans Stadium, which was the Philly home stadium until 2004.31,32The pieces of turf analyzed from 1977 and 1981 were found to contain at least 16 different PFAS. It was also determined that in the summer, the synthetic grass/artificial turf would heat up to 165℉. The experts they consulted explained that this type of heat would allow some of the toxins to release and become airborne, creating additional modes of transmission to the players. PFASbioaccumulatesin our bodies, making the risk of cancers and other health problems more likely as we get older.33
Human Health Hazards: PFAS and Synthetic Turf/Artificial Grass Doctors, nurses, health professionals, children’s health organizations, public health organizations, researchers, and the public are deeply concerned with the toxic and carcinogenicchemicals34andheavy metals35found in the infill and plastic blades of “grass” ofsynthetic grass/artificial turf.
Synthetic grass/artificial turf is plastic, made from resins like polyethylene and nylon. PFAS are used in theextrusion of plastic yarnfor the “grass” blades.36No synthetic grass/artificial turf manufacturer can state they are free of PFAS. PFAS, PAHS, lead, and other toxic chemicals have been found insynthetic grass/artificial 36 https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/6434596-Kulikov2005.html 35https://www.hilarispublisher.com/open-access/release-of-polycyclic-aromatic-hydrocarbons-and-heavy-metals 34https://theintercept.com/2019/10/08/pfas-chemicals-artificial-turf-soccer/ 33https://www.mdpi.com/2305-6304/10/2/44
32https://www.mediaite.com/sports/6-phillies-players-died-of-same-brain-cancer/ 31https://deadspin.com/philadelphia-phillies-brain-cancer-tug-mcgraw-1850202995 30https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/03635465000280050401 29https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/lionel-messi-inter-miami-mls-turf 28https://www.npr.org/353312770/soccer-players-sue-over-proposed-turf-field-for-womens-world-cup 27https://www.uhhospitals.org/articles-and-news/articles/2019/08/artificial-turf-vs-natural-grass 26https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30995074/
3 turf.37
PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) are a class of over12,000 synthetic (man-made) chemicals38found inmany products39like synthetic grass/artificial turf, food packaging, waterproofing sprays, household cleaners, stain-resistant carpet, nonstick cookware, fire fighting foam, clothing, makeup, toilet paper, personal care products, textiles, children’s products and much more. PFAS as aclassshare many characteristics and toxicities.40Three PFAS (perfluorooctanesulfonic acid [PFOS], perfluorononanoic acid [PFNA], and perfluorooctanoic acid [PFOA]) are on California’sProposition 65 listas carcinogens and developmental toxicity.41The EPA released in June 2022 ahealth advisoryfor PFOS, PFOA and their replacements, PFBS, and GenX chemicals in drinking water.42 PFAS are known as "forever chemicals" as they are extremely strong and don't break down in the environment or in our bodies.Once in the body, theyaccumulatein the kidneys and liver with a biological half-life of 3-8 years.43Many states and cities have found PFAS in their drinking water. PFAS are found in the blood of97% of Americansand even inumbilical cords.44,45
PFAS are toxic. According to theCDC,46EPA,47and theEuropean Union Environment Agency,48PFAS are linked to low birth weight, thyroid disease, increased cholesterol, liver damage, kidney cancer, and testicular cancer. They are also linked toliver cancer,49diabetes,50endocrine disruption, and otherserious health problems.51
Another concern regarding synthetic grass/artificial turf health risks is zinc in the crumb rubber infill. Too much zinc can cause health problems such asstomach cramps, skin irritations, vomiting, nausea, anemia, pancreatic damage, and even arteriosclerosis when zinc levels are very high.52Zinc can be a danger to unborn and newborn children when mothers absorb large concentrations of zinc. Zinc can also contaminate the environment and fish living in zinc-contaminated waterways can 52https://www.lenntech.com/periodic/elements/zn.htm
51https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32476019
50https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35970987/
49https://www.insider.com/study-confirms-link-between-forever-chemicals-and-liver-cancer-risk-2022-8 48https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/emerging-chemical-risks-in-europe 47https://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas 46https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/health-effects/index.html 45https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/forever-chemicals-found-umbilical-cord-blood-samples 44https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/health-effects/us-population.html 43https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/pfc/index.cfm 42https://www.epa.gov/sdwa/drinking-water-health-advisories-pfoa-and-pfos 41https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/proposition-65-list/ 40https://experts.unthsc.edu/en/publications/response-to-comment-on-scientific-basis-for-managing-pfas 39https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/PFAS_FactSheet.html 38https://comptox.epa.gov/dashboard/chemical-lists/pfasmaster 37https://theintercept.com/2019/10/08/pfas-chemicals-artificial-turf-soccer/ 4 accumulate zinc in their bodies which is then biomagnified through thefood chain.53 Dr. Sarah Evans, an environmental health professor for the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, asked:“We already know there are toxic chemicals in the products, so why would we continue to utilize them and have children roll around on them when we have a safe alternative, which is natural grass?”54Dr. Evans wrote aletterin support of stopping the use of recycled tire rubber in municipal and school playgrounds because children are particularly vulnerable to these harmful chemical exposures from playground surfaces due to “their developmentally appropriate hand-to-mouth behaviors”.55Additionally, children are closer to the ground and have higher respiratory ratesthan adults, increasing their likelihood of inhalation exposures.56
Crumb Rubber Infill is Toxic
Made from ground-up tires, this common infill forsynthetic grass/artificial turffields is full ofheavy metals and toxic chemicals.57One of these chemicals, 6PPD-quinone, has been shown to bevery toxic to the endangered coho salmon58and otheraquatic life.59Research has identifiedover 300 chemicalsin crumb rubber infill with over 50 known or suspected carcinogens.60Humans can be exposed to these crumb rubber-derived chemicals through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact, leaving humans vulnerable to carcinogenic exposure in many different ways.61Alternative infillslike TPE or cork have inhalation and chemical risks as well.62 Studies on synthetic grass/artificial turf fields have shownhigher-than-acceptable levels of zincin surface water, groundwater, and/or aquatic environments from crumb rubber infill.63,64The Norwegian Institute for Water Research conducted arisk assessmenton runoff from synthetic grass/artificial turf fields finding concentrations of zinc, alkylphenols, and octylphenol exceeded the limits of environmental effects and were a significant local risk of environmental effects in surface water.65Studies, such as one from theConnecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), also concluded runoff from synthetic grass/artificial turf fields was a potential risk to surface waters and aquatic organisms.66
66https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DEEP/artificialturf/DEPArtificialTurfReportpdf.pdf 65https://www.isss-sportsurfacescience.org/downloads/documents/5VEU2CZB25_NIVAEngelsk.pdf 64https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00128-021-03123-9 63https://www.researchgate.net/publication/27453426_Leaching_of_zinc_from_rubber_infill_on_artificial_turf 62https://www.safehealthyplayingfields.org/the-problem-with-alternative-infills 61https://ncceh.ca/documents/guide/human-health-risk-assessments-addressing-artificial-turf 60https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935118305528 59https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0304389421025917 58https://science.sciencemag.org/content/371/6525/185
57https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0048969721076208 56https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324409#summary-table 55https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jrGrAyAU_hVvgej2L0Zd2cIAGCdDOZWD/view 54https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/boston-bans-artificial-turf-toxic-forever-chemicals-pfas 53https://www.lenntech.com/periodic/elements/zn.htm
5 Understanding the True Costs of Synthetic Grass/Artificial Turf The true cost of PFAS include investigations into contaminated sites, health reports, site remediation, waste disposal/recycling, damages to human health, and more.
Studies are already revealing the amount of money that goes into health-related PFAS costs in theUnited States67andEurope,68with studies showing just 13 PFAS-related health conditions costing Americans anywhere between$5.5 to $63 billion.69 The largest cost is the harm to human health. PFAS manufacturers such as 3M have already paid billions to treat human health conditions caused by PFAS contamination. Medical problems, increased medical bill costs, reduced workplace productivity, and diminished mental health and well-being are all health consequences of PFAS contamination. Many reportfeeling depressed and anxious about PFASand this affects their day-to-day lives.70In addition, due to theincreased risk of injury for athleteson synthetic grass/artificial turf, it is important to consider the costs of treatment, recovery, and rehabilitation for athletes.71For children and adults alike, not only can this be financially draining, but also damaging to mental health and physical well-being.
The costs associated with PFAS contamination also include monitoring and testing of water supplies and the development of new treatment technologies.
The PFAS Contamination Crisis: A Threat to Our Drinking Water PFAS have been detected in air, drinking water, wastewater, groundwater, soil, and evenrainaround the world.72PFAS can be volatile, especially with higher temperatures and can be carried long distances via the air, leading to soil and groundwater contamination near and far from the source. Industrial sites, landfills, and wastewater treatment plants are all major sources of PFAS that contaminate drinking water sourcessuch as lakes and rivers.73PFAS exposure through drinking water can potentially lead tocancer,harmful effects to a developing fetus or infant, and damage to the immune system and liver.74,75In addition, PFAS accumulating in our waterways can also lead to these chemicals contaminating the country’s crops and other food sources, leading to more widespread pollution.
The cost of cleanup for PFAS-contaminated water can be astronomical for affected communities. Low-income communities in particular struggle to financially recover 75https://oehha.ca.gov/water/notification-level/notification-level-recommendations-perfluorooctanoic-acid-pfoa 74https://calmatters.org/projects/california-water-contaminated-forever-chemicals/ 73https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/drinking_water/certlic/drinkingwater/pfas.html 72https://www.ctvnews.ca/climate-and-environment/pfas-levels-in-rainwater-have-made-it-unsafe-to-drink 71https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2022-10-07/could-synthetic-turf-raise-kids-odds 70https://www.themainemonitor.org/the-price-of-pfas-forever-chemicals-generate-boundless-costs/ 69https://jheor.org/post/1612-study-ties-forever-chemicals-exposure-to-billions-in-us-health-costs 68https://www.pfassciencepanel.org/true-cost-of-pfas
67https://nyulangone.org/news/daily-exposure-forever-chemicals-costs-united-states-billions-health-costs 6 from PFAS contamination in their drinking water due to thehigh expenses.76Testing soil and water samples can cost hundreds of dollars per sample; landfilling contaminated soil includes costs of transportation, labor, and tip fees; and clean-up options are limited and costly. Early estimates of the cost of clean-up for PFAS in the nation’s drinking water are about$400 billion.77Lastly, PFAS contamination in the water candecrease property values, further distressing affected communities.78 Synthetic Grass/Artificial Turf is Plastic Pollution
The installation and use of synthetic grass/artificial turf is the intentional installation and use ofmicroplastics79which does serious harm to theenvironment80 andhuman health.81Recentresearch82has found microplastics in placentas, infant feces, breastmilk, and even infant formula. Other studies have shown microplastics changinglung and liver cells.83Microplastics were banned in United States cosmetics84in 2015, but the ban on microplastics should apply to all areas of life in order to reduce these health risks.
Plastics don’t break down in the environment, simply breaking down into microplastics.Wildlife can mistake microplastics for foodand marine animals have been found to consume microplastics accidentally.85Microplastics attract and carry pollutantsin the water and alsorelease toxic chemicals.86,87Lab studies have shown that microplastics may impact thedevelopmental stagesof animals, causing reproductive issues and their ability to fight disease.88Furthermore, since humans consume fish and other marine animals, the impacts of microplastics are passed on to humans through the food chain.
The plastic life cycle is incredibly toxic.Researchshows it causes premature birth, low birth weight, decreased fertility, asthma, childhood leukemia, lymphoma, brain cancer, breast cancer, mesothelioma, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, neuropathy, and lung cancer.89
Synthetic Grass/Artificial Turf is Not Recycled
Used synthetic grass/artificial turf is expected to produce1-4 million tons of plastic 89https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/plastics-cause-issues-from-cancer-to-birth-defects 88https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/ftox.2022.748912/full 87https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s42452-019-1352-0 86https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7924819
85https://marinedebris.noaa.gov/what-marine-debris/microplastics 84https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/microbead-free-waters-act-faqs 83https://www.onegreenplanet.org/environment/microplastics-are-disrupting-metabolism-of-lung-and-liver 82https://www.news-medical.net/news/20220921/Microplastics-detected-in-placentas-infant-feces-breast 81https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/dec/08/microplastics-damage-human-cells-study- 80https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/plastic-planet-how-tiny-plastic-particles-are-polluting- 79https://ec.europa.eu/environment/marine/good-environmental-status/descriptor-10/pdf/microplastics_ 78https://aeiconsultants.com/pfas-real-estate/
77https://www.politico.com/news/2022/09/13/the-battle-over-who-pays-to-clean-up-chemicals-00056136 76https://www.akaction.org/wp-content/uploads/Cordner_2021_True-Cost-of-PFAS-and-Benefits-of-Acting-Now 7 waste90in the next ten years.The plastic carpet and rubber crumb infill from synthetic grass/artificial turf fields are oftendumped illegally or sent to landfills since there areno United States recycling facilities for synthetic turf.91,92Reuse is not recycling!93
Synthetic Grass/Artificial Turf Hurts the Climate
Synthetic grass/artificial turf is plastic andplastic emits methane, a powerful greenhouse gas (GHG).94Plastics start as fossil fuels and emit greenhouse gasses in every stage of theirlifecycle, from the extraction of oil/gas to the trash pile.95Plastics have ahuge carbon imprint.96Research showed the emissions from plastics in 2019 were nearly 1.8 billion metric tons of greenhouse gasses, and that number is projected to continue growing.97
Dr. Sarah-Jeanne Royer of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in California wrote aletterin opposition to synthetic grass/artificial turf, citing methane as a major concern.98Dr. Royer and her colleagues found that polyethylene, used to make synthetic turf/artificial grass,releases more methanethan any other plastic.99 During thebreakdown of polyethylene, the release of methane gas acceleratesand the surface area of the plastic increases, reacting more with the sunlight and releasing more methane.100As synthetic grass/artificial turf is commonly made of polyethylene, these fields constantly release methane as it interacts with the sun and everyday use.Over a 20-year period,methane is 80x more potentat warming than carbon dioxide and is responsible for 25% of global warming.101 Native Pollinators and Biodiversity at Risk
Synthetic grass/artificial turf createinhabitableareas for pollinators and birds to live and survive.102Pollinators and birdsrelyon grasses for protection, food, and nesting sites.103Birds rely onwormsand other soil-dwelling organisms for food but these organisms can not survive on synthetic turf.104The chemicals in synthetic grass/artificial turfleach into the ground causing harmto soil-dwelling organisms 104https://outlookgardens.com/cms/10-reasons-why-fake-lawns-are-not-good-for-the-environment/ 103https://dyckarboretum.org/native-grasses-help-pollinators/ 102https://metro.co.uk/2020/04/22/world-earth-day-time-rip-fake-grass-save-birds-bees-12595457 101https://ecology.wa.gov/Blog/Posts/February-2023/The-trash-climate-connection-what-you-need-to-know 100
https://www.surfrider.org/news/new-study-shows-plastic-as-source-of-greenhouse-gases-potentially-contribut 99https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-45043989 98https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q9NHwhVtY0ygHCcZDHhufkfcRdGFA35k/view 97https://www.oecd.org/environment/plastics/increased-plastic-leakage-and-greenhouse-gas-emissions.htm 96https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/04/190415144004.htm 95https://www.ciel.org/reports/plastic-health-the-hidden-costs-of-a-plastic-planet-may-2019/ 94https://www.mvtimes.com/2019/02/20/synthetic-turf-will-contribute-greenhouse-gas-problems/ 93https://peer.org/artificial-turfs-big-lie-old-fields-not-recycled/ 92https://peer.org/artificial-turfs-big-lie-old-fields-not-recycled/ 91https://www.theatlantic.com/science/artificial-turf-fields-are-piling-no-recycling-fix/603874/ 90https://www.ydr.com/in-depth/news/2019/11/18/old-artificial-turf-fields-pose-huge-waste-problem 8 for years.105This damage can completelyinhibitlife to be able to grow in the area.106 Habitat lossis one of the main drivers of the pollinator decline and synthetic turf is part of that problem.107About a third of the crops humans rely on for food are pollinated by pollinators. Synthetic grass/artificial turf is already causing adeclinein pollinators and birds.108Over time these species will only continue to decline unless action is taken.
Natural Areas Improve Mental Health
Plastic is not comparable to nature andexperiencing natureenhances a child's understanding of the world and can shape who they are.109 Access to nature is a key factor in mental health and functioning, especially for children. According to the American Psychological Foundationgreen spaces have been provento promote cognitive development in children, better attentional functioning in adults, and improvements in working memory and cognitive flexibility.110Studies have shown that children who play in natural green areas also exhibit fewer symptoms ofADHD111andmental illness.112
Nature-deficit disordercontributes to the diminished use of the senses, attention difficulties, conditions of obesity, and higher rates of emotional and physical illnesses.113Connecting with animals and nature in true green spaces can help children form new connections with the natural world that willgreatly improve their mental and physical well-being.114
Stop the Use of Synthetic Grass/Artificial Turf
Chemical exposureis believed to be the cause of increasedchildhood cancer ratesin the US with cancer being the leading cause of death by disease in children under
15.115,116Leukemia has increased by 21% in children since 1976 with brain cancer rates increasing by 45%.117
With about43 children diagnosed with cancer every day, we must reduce their exposure to toxic chemicals.118We must protect the places where they run and play, 118https://www.stjude.org/get-involved/other-ways/childhood-cancer-awareness-month.html 117https://www.annals-research-oncology.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Landrigan_AnnResOncol-1.pdf 116https://www.webmd.com/special-reports/cancer-strikes-a-small-town/20161020/childhood-cancer-rates 115https://www.annals-research-oncology.com/pediatric-cancer-and-the-environment-a-fifty-year-perspective 114https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/who-we-are/how-we-work/benefits-of-outdoors-for-kids 113https://richardlouv.com/blog/what-is-nature-deficit-disorder/ 112https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160412014001779 111https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/RTM-proactively-bans-crumb-rubber-artificial-turf-13464197.php 110https://www.apa.org/monitor/2020/04/nurtured-nature
109https://naturalearning.org/01-benefits-of-engaging-children-with-nature/ 108https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/jul/17/why-fake-grass-is-far-from-green 107https://www.fws.gov/initiative/pollinators/threats
106https://www.jackwallington.com/17-reasons-to-avoid-fake-lawns-how-bad-is-artificial-grass 105https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/plastic-planet-how-tiny-plastic-particles-are-polluting-our-soil 9 the water they drink, and the air they breathe.
There is more then enough evidence concerning synthetic grass/artificial turf to show it puts our children and our environment at risk.
Please use real, natural grass for the Lucchesi Park Multi Use Field.
Additional Video Resources:
Tire Particulate Matter in Synthetic Turf and Children119 Failing Synthetic Turf Fields120
Artificial Turf is Not Recycled121
Environmental Health Impacts of Synthetic Turf and Safer Alternatives122 Insult to Injury: Plastic Fields Hurt Players123
Sincerely,
Suzanne Hume
Educational Director and Founder
[email protected]
(760) 518-2776
CleanEarth4Kids.org
123https://youtu.be/f1Ahvlve1A4
122https://youtu.be/mel-tIUQImY
121https://youtu.be/Y5o3J7uy4Tk
120https://youtu.be/iV-Mh_q0gMI
119https://youtu.be/UEVeAmqHTSM
10 From: Rika Gopinath
To: Montoya, Michelle
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Public Comment to Climate Action Sub-Committee Date: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 1:46:59 PM
Hello Chair Rogers and Members Rogers and Fleming,
My name is Rika Gopinath and I am Chair of YardSmartMarin and Co-Chair of the California chapter of NonToxic Communities. We support efforts to eliminate toxic chemicals to protect public health and the environment.
Purveyors of artificial turf pitch their products as an environmentally smart choice. A closer look at the facts shows this is not the case and artificial turf has a negative impact on efforts to combat climate change.
It is not surprising that fields of plastic would create heat islands, directly worsening climate change. Surface temperatures can be dangerously high, even leading to melted shoes and heat stroke. Artificial turf contributes to climate change in indirect ways as well.
Artificial turf is made of petroleum-based polyethylene plastic. This plastic is the most prolific emitter of methane (20 times more potent than carbon dioxide) and ethylene gases. These fields generate greenhouse gasses over the course of their useful lives (only 8-10 years) and for hundreds of years after they are dumped in landfills - an astonishing 40,000 lbs of synthetic waste per acre. Despite industry claims, artificial grass cannot be effectively recycled.
All of this plastic degrades into microplastics that contaminate our water, soil, and air.
The plastic blades of grass and their backing contain dangerous chemicals such as PFAS and flame retardants. The infill material contains chemicals including known carcinogens plus heavy metals like lead.
The answer is to turn to organically managed real grass instead. Real grass sequesters carbon and cools the earth. And Santa Rosa can get funding, training, and support from Beyond Pesticides with their Parks for a Sustainable Future program. I am the North Bay contact and I am currently working with multiple Marin municipalities to apply for this program. I would be happy to talk with you about this opportunity as well.
Organic grass has come a long way in the past decade. Today, organically managed grass is more drought-tolerant, more-pest-resistant and healthier than conventionally managed grass. This is possible because organic land management systematically builds the health of the soil. When soil is healthy, purchasing chemical fertilizers and herbicides is not necessary and thus it is actually less expensive to manage grass this way. And of course not using pesticides makes these fields a safer place to play.
I encourage you to pass a ban on artificial turf and pesticides, and turn to organic land management instead. Our children and our planet will thank you for making this choice.
Rika Gopinath
Chair, Yard Smart Marin
Pronouns: she/her
www.yardsmartmarin.org
From: Annie Stuart
To: Montoya, Michelle
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Ban plastic grass, stop using herbicides Date: Wednesday, October 4, 2023 2:03:12 PM
Dear Santa Rosa City Council Members,
Most of us care deeply about the health of our children, environment, and climate.
If this describes you, ask yourself why it makes sense to continue to install plastic grass – an “invasive species” that seriously harms all three. Synthetic turf:
Contains plastic, a petrochemical product, and recycled tires or other untested materials Releases microplastics and toxic chemicals – many that are linked to cancer – into our soil, water, and air, putting children at greatest risk
Creates heat island effects – an increasing concern, given rising temperatures Requires ongoing maintenance costs for sanitation and disinfection Has a short “life,” requiring regular replacement and increasing overall costs Is not recyclable in the U.S. and is therefore incinerated or landfilled at the end of its useful “life,” contributing to our climate crisis and putting nearby communities at risk Lead the way in Sonoma County.
First, ban installation of new plastic grass fields. With adequate funding for our parks, we can successfully maintain natural grass fields and address issues such as watering and injuries from gopher holes.
Second, stop using synthetic herbicides. According to the Pesticide Action Network, 99 percent of all synthetic chemicals, including pesticides, are derived from fossil fuels and can release greenhouse gas emissions after application. Additionally, their production, on average, requires 10 times more energy than that of nitrogen fertilizer.
With a rapidly accelerating climate crisis and myriad environmental challenges, we cannot afford short-term thinking. Please act on our behalf.
Annie Stuart,
Steering Committee Member
--
Annie Stuart
Encore Editorial Services
www.encoredit.com