Is Artificial Grass Safe?

Most homeowners have asked this question over the past years. Despite over 15,000 fake baseball turf, artificial soccer turf and landscaping installations, some members of the media continue to confuse consumers by ”exposing” the hazardous side to synthetic turf. However, the truth is the opposite. This type of turf is completely safe and the following headings will prove that to you.

Synthetic Turf is Free of Lead
The first versions of Astro turf included lead; many potential users panicked after hearing about this because of studies that showed the adverse of this metal on children’s development. However, though lead is no more used, many mistake that harmful element with lead chromate. This ingredient is used in many products to enhance colorfastness in their pigments. It is also encapsulated to ensure that it is never absorbed by the body or the environment. Since no complaints have ever been filed against lead chromate, you can rest assured that artificial turf made from it will be safe.

Crumb Rubber is Safe for Use
Field turf requires crumb rubber, or infill, in order to have a bounce whenever you tread on it. Some point out that having miniscule particles of rubber can be dangerous to children and pets because they can inhale it or ingest it. There have even been claims that rubber infill is one of the main causes of cancer. However, had that been the case, rubber toys and even chewing gum may have been added to the list of cancer-inducing things.

According to the Department of Public Health Sciences in the Alberta Center for Injury Control and Research, the rubber particles do not contain DNA or chromosome-damaging chemicals. Therefore, ingesting a small amount won’t cause children to contract cancer. As for inhalation, the Division of Science, Research and Technology at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection assures consumers that it is very unlikely that significant respiratory problems could occur after inhaling crumb rubber used in outdoor applications.

Artificial Grass Won’t Harm Your Skin
Some claim that artificial lawns can harm the skin upon contact. However, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment proved that rubber infill and other materials used in fake grass do not affect the skin. The Norwegian Institute of Public Health and Radium Hospital acknowledged this with a study that proved that no allergic reactions took place upon contact with artificial grass.

An Artificial Lawn Doesn’t Contaminate the Air Quality
Fake grass has been accused of producing dangerous vapors which contaminate the air. This is why many environmentalists have fought against using it extensively as a sports stadium surface. However, this has been disproved by the British Standards Institute. According to the organization, the ingredients making up synthetic grass do not put humans or the environment at risk. In fact, studies conducted by FIFA prove that no Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons are released, therefore the environment is safe.

As you can see, with so much evidence to proof artificial grass’ safety for humans, pets and the environment, you have nothing to worry about. So, don’t deprive yourself and your lawn from the benefits of artificial lawn.