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A synthetic turf manufacturer took legal action against four researchers set to address health concerns about artificial grass during a scheduled January presentation that never took place.
Polyloom filed a defamation suit, claiming promotional materials for the planned “The Trouble With Turf” seminar included false and damaging statements, as per the New York Times. Kyla Bennett, a former Environmental Protection Agency ecologist and one of the defendants named in the suit, noted the legal challenge came before any actual presentation occurred.
The dispute highlights mounting friction between synthetic turf producers and scientists investigating possible health and environmental effects of artificial playing surfaces.
These manufactured grass alternatives, originally confined to major sports venues, now appear across thousands of locations, including municipal parks, school athletic fields, and residential properties. Data from AMI Plastics indicates contractors installed 1,200 to 1,500 major synthetic turf installations during 2023, expanding the national total to roughly 19,000 fields.
The canceled presentation was planned to examine recent studies on the presence of PFAS chemicals in artificial surfaces. PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are known for their persistence in the environment and the human body. Health researchers have connected these persistent chemicals to pregnancy complications, developmental issues, and cancer risks.
Joe Fields, who leads TenCate Americas and oversees Polyloom operations, avoided discussing the litigation but defended the safety of synthetic turf. He drew comparisons between turf chemical components and materials used in medical devices, characterizing health worries as unfounded, according to the New York Times article.
Scientific investigations have identified multiple areas of concern beyond PFAS contamination. Research on cushioning materials beneath synthetic grass surfaces, historically manufactured from recycled tire fragments, has detected compounds that may be linked to cancer development and reproductive harm.
Researchers have documented environmental pollution from the degradation of artificial grass fibers. Ocean studies found synthetic turf particles represented over 15% of collected plastic debris in Mediterranean waters.
Temperature differences also create safety issues, as manufactured surfaces can become significantly hotter than natural grass during warm weather.
Some local governments have taken steps to restrict turf use; however, many of these efforts have met resistance. In Santa Clara, California, a proposed ban failed to pass after manufacturers and youth sports advocates argued it would limit access to outdoor recreation.
TenCate has adjusted manufacturing practices following safety discussions, replacing tire-based cushioning with natural materials, including cork and olive waste. The company has eliminated PFAS from its production processes as a precautionary measure and now utilizes alternative, proprietary compounds.
The lawsuit seeks monetary damages of at least $75,000 from the defendants.
Each year, synthetic turf sheds an estimated 200 to 3,200 pounds of microplastic fragments per field, mostly from broken plastic blades and infill. These particles often end up in nearby waterways or soil. Turf’s contribution to global plastic pollution is prompting the European Union to adopt a 2031 ban on microplastic-based infill across member states.
As the debate continues, public health experts urge local governments and school districts to weigh safer alternatives. Organically managed natural grass, though more labor-intensive, carries fewer chemical and thermal risks. Where turf remains the preferred option, specialists recommend selecting PFAS-free products, avoiding tire-based infill, and regularly monitoring surface temperatures and wear. Proper installation and adequate distance from sensitive sites, such as water bodies or schools, may also reduce long-term hazards.
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