Hazard assessment study on organic compounds and heavy metals from using artificial turf

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Toxicology
• Public Health

Background:

• Artificial turf, or synthetic grass, is known to release hazardous substances including heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
• Sunlight exposure can accelerate the emission of these substances from artificial turf, raising concerns about potential health risks during various activities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the concentration levels of hazardous substances emitted from artificial turf due to sunlight.
• To assess the exposure risks associated with these emitted substances during different activities.

Main Methods:

• Monitoring and collection of VOCs in the ambient air of football fields and indoor environments with new artificial turf.
• Analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in artificial turf samples.
• Calculation of average daily intake (ADI) for ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact across various age groups.
• Assessment of non-carcinogenic exposure risk using hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI).

Main Results:

• Average VOC levels varied seasonally, with higher concentrations in warmer months (summer: 509 mg/m³).
• Predominant PAHs identified were those with 3 and 4 rings.
• Hazard Index (HI) values were below 1, suggesting no significant non-carcinogenic health effects.
• Total carcinogenic risk (R) values exceeded 1E-04 for artificial grass fields, indicating a high probability of cancer risk.

Conclusions:

• While non-carcinogenic risks from artificial turf chemicals are low (HI < 1), carcinogenic risks are significant.
• The probability of cancer risk increases with age, particularly for children aged 3-6 and 7-15 years.
• These findings highlight potential health concerns associated with prolonged exposure to artificial turf, especially in high-use areas like football fields.