Tell the BOE: Artificial Turf is Wrong for MoCo
The science is in - plastic fields are harmful to kids, the environment and taxpayers. They are banned in several states and cities. Despite what the industry says, there is no "new" technology to overcome the central problems of high heat, injuries and toxic exposure for our student athletes and the wider environment (along with folks who drink water).
The MoCo Board of Education (BOE) approved synthetic turf fields at Poolesville High School, atop the fragile drinking water aquifer, along with new plastic fields for several other schools at an initial cost of $55 Million dollars - with additional cost when they have to be replaced in a few years. Industry experts share that properly maintained natural grass fields are both cost effective and superior for player health.
The Montgomery County Council of PTAs along with 20+ local civic and environmental groups are opposed to any new artificial turf fields. We hope you can join our coalition of thousands of residents to oppose artificial turf in the interest of public health.
Click "Start Writing" to make the case to Councilmembers and the BOE today - and thank you!
Much More Background below:
The Real Grass for Healthy Kids Coalition recorded a webinar about the harms of artificial turf and the cost-effective real grass alternatives the County should use instead.
- Plastic Fields are known to leach harmful PFAS and other chemicals into local wells - when Poolesville has already spent millions (so far) mitigating PFAS in wells
- They are harmful to athletes - the NFL players union does not want to play on it citing increased injuries - all Men's World Cup locations must be natural grass the women's team sued to get all grass venues. PFAS coats the skin of athletes when they play and the Children's Health Center of Mount Sinai Hospital has come out against all artificial turf fields
- They are more expensive than grass fields and need to be regularly replaced. The price tag is $3.6 Million to install the proposed PHS fields and they will need replacing in 8-10 years along with annual maintenance costs.
- They risk introducing chemicals into Ag wells, endangering the safety and salability of Ag Reserve products - bringing uncertainty to a $281 Million dollar sector of the County economy.
- Much, Much more info here.
Click "Start Writing" to make your voice heard and thanks for your action!
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