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Exploring the Human Health Impact of Artificial Turf Worldwide: A Systematic Review
Sebastian Ryan-Ndegwa1, Reza Zamani1, Tanimola Martins1
1Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.
Environmental Health Insights
|December 19, 2024
Summary
Artificial turf contains chemicals like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and heavy metals that may exceed safety limits. While some chemicals are not bioaccessible, potential health risks exist, especially for children, necessitating further research.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Toxicology
- Material Science
Background:
- Artificial turf is increasingly used in residential, recreational, and commercial areas.
- Concerns exist regarding the potential human health impacts of chemicals in artificial turf.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review studies on the human health risks of artificial turf fibers and crumb rubber infill.
- To assess chemical concentrations, bioaccessibility, and human health risks associated with artificial turf.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of 5673 articles, with 30 selected for analysis.
- Analysis of total chemical concentrations, bioaccessibility assays, and human health risk assessments (HHRAs).
- Focus on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), heavy metals, and rubber additives.
Main Results:
- Median concentrations of eight PAHs, cadmium, mercury, and zinc exceeded European limits in 25 studies.
- PAHs were generally not bioaccessible, except benzo[a]pyrene in gastric fluid. Heavy metals were bioaccessible, except arsenic.
- Cancer risks identified for PAH and heavy metal exposure in children; non-carcinogenic risks identified for cobalt, arsenic, thallium, and zinc.
Conclusions:
- Potentially hazardous chemical concentrations found in artificial turf, with variable bioaccessibility.
- Definitive conclusions on real-world human health risks remain elusive.
- Further research is recommended on synergistic toxicities of chemical mixtures in artificial turf.
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