The bill would ban state and local governments from using public funds to install artificial turf containing zinc, plastic, or intentionally added PFAs on public playing surfaces. The legislation is aimed to promote the use of crumb rubber as an alternative, which was found to be best for both public health and the environment.

A recent federal, multi-agency research initiative examining sport players’ chemical exposure on synthetic turf fields using crumb rubber infill found there was no difference in exposure to certain chemicals, metals, or air emissions among players regardless of whether the playing field was synthetic with crumb rubber infill or grass. This study provided credible evidence that recycled rubber for turf fields is a win for public health, as well as the environment.