On July 21 , the state Senate Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight voted to advance  An Act prohibiting state and municipal contracts for the purchase and installation of artificial turf fields, introduced by State Sen. Michael Moore (D-Millbury). The bill, which was reported favorably the same week as its hearing, would stop any state agency, municipality, or organization using public funds from purchasing or installing artificial turf containing “intentionally-added PFAS,” toxic chemicals known to cause cancer, birth defects, and other serious health conditions.

While the bill bans the use of public funds on the purchase and installation of artificial turf fields containing intentionally-added PFAS, it allows schools, cities, and towns who have already purchased and installed turf fields to continue to use them until the end of their useful life. Fields would then have to be replaced with compliant turf or with standard grass.

PFAS, or Polyfluoroalkyl substances, is a class designation that includes nearly 10,000 chemicals used to make everyday items fireproof, waterproof, or non-stick. Even at low levels, the toxicity of PFAS chemicals can be devastating, increasing the risk of cancer, immunosuppression, birth defects, colitis, and other diseases. Compounding these dangers is the persistent nature of PFAS chemicals, known as “forever chemicals” for their resistance to breaking down in the environment.

“Artificial turf has long been attractive as a lower-maintenance and safer alternative to grass fields for sports and recreation, but recent studies have shown that many of the most popular types of plastic turf contain carcinogenic PFAS chemicals. When these toxic chemicals leach into the ground over time, they contaminate water sources, poison our ecosystems, and harm the bodies of the people who unknowingly play on these fields,” said Moore. “This bill recognizes government’s role in protecting public health by stopping your tax dollars from being used to purchase and install artificial turf that we know pose a threat to our communities’ well-being. I’m thrilled that the Committee has voted to advance my bill, and I look forward to continuing this important conversation as we progress through the legislative process.”

In a study earlier this year, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment concluded that there was no difference in exposure to certain chemicals, metals, or air emissions among players on crumb rubber filled synthetic turf than a traditional grass field. While this study provided good evidence that recycled rubber for turf fields are fine for public health, it did find the presence of PFAS in the blades of the synthetic grass. 

Turf fields are mainly used for youth or school recreational activities, such as organized sports, community events, fitness classes, collegiate sports, and more. Yet, many who utilize these fields to better their health or gather with their community are unaware of the dangers presented in the artificial turf blades of grass. 

This bill is the latest in a series of PFAS-related legislation championed by Senator Michael Moore.