What Are the Disadvantages of Using Synthetic Grass?

Synthetic grass is popular due to its ever-increasing realistic look and feel. It can save homeowners time and money, as it does not require regular maintenance, watering or cutting. Although there are many advantages to synthetic grass, there are many downsides as well, many of which are potential health and environmental risks.

Rubber Infills

Rubber infills--the material that is placed directly over dirt and which holds artificial turf in place--pose significant disadvantages due to quality and health concerns. Rubber infills are prone to breakage. Gradually, the artificial grass is released as the rubber breaks into small particles that come loose. This eventually can lead to the need to replace the artificial turf.

Not only are rubber infills problematic with breakage, but this breakage poses potential health concerns to people who might end up ingesting it. According to the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment--or OEHHA--rubber infills pose a high cancer risk. By being exposed to or ingesting chrysene--a carcinogen found in rubber--at an early age, kids increase their risk of developing cancer later in life.

Bacteria

Several studies show a link between artificial turf and an increase in MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) infections. One such study, performed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, shows that although synthetic turf has not shown to harbor dangerous bacteria---such as MRSA---it has shown to cause an increase in turf burns, making the probability of MRSA infection more likely for athletes.

Children

Some concerns focus on children, assuming that if they are not raised on "real" grass, they will have less of an understanding of nature. Synthetic grass in lawns can create confusion and might alter their experience with nature, especially since animals and insects are less prevalent on synthetic grass.

Heat

Synthetic grass can be up to 60 degrees F hotter than natural grass. Some professional sports teams have to water the artificial turf just to cool it down to avoid the risk of burning players.

Short Lifespan

Synthetic turf has a relatively short lifespan--10 to 12 years. According to Rick Doyle, Synthetic Turf Council president, synthetic turf can be recycled, cleaned and reused for different purposes, such as landfill layers, or for rubber asphalt. However, he states, the majority of the time, synthetic turf is sent to landfills.

References

• Synthetic Grass Info: Some Arguments Against Synthetic Grass
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Infections Among Competitive Sports Participants --- Colorado, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Los Angeles County, 2000--2003
• Landscape America: Synthetic Grass Has Come a Long Way, Baby
• OEHHA: Evaluation of Health Effects of Recycled Waste Tires in Playground and Track Products