In Fields Debate, Consider The Dangers Of Artificial Turf

To the editor: We, the undersigned Nantucket community members, wish to express our deep concern about any proposal to install artificial turf fields on our island. Nantucket relies entirely on a sole-source aquifer for its drinking water. This means that any contaminants introduced into our soil or groundwater—especially PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” which persist indefinitely and for which the EPA has determined there is no safe level of exposure—pose a direct and unavoidable risk to the health of our entire community.

Artificial turf has been shown in multiple independent studies, federal agency reviews, and peer-reviewed publications to contain or release PFAS, microplastics, heavy metals, VOCs, PAHs, and other substances known to be toxic, carcinogenic, endocrine-disrupting, or harmful. These materials do not remain on the surface. They break down, shedding microplastics which migrate into soil and stormwater, and are carried by wind and runoff—creating long-term environmental contamination.

Because artificial turf introduces long-term public health and environmental risks, the precautionary principle (“First, do no harm”) requires that the burden of proof falls squarely on those advocating for installation. Synthetic turf, including “alternative infills” are not regulated under federal chemical disclosure laws. Those proposing these fields must provide transparent, independent evidence showing that the proposed materials are safe for our aquifer and environment. At this time, based on the scientific literature and the lack of full chemical disclosure by manufacturers, such proof does not exist.

We are also deeply concerned about the end-of-life environmental burden. Once they have reached the end of their lifespan (which can range between 8 -25 years depending on usage and maintenance, with sports fields tending toward a shorter life span of 8-15 years) they become tens of thousands of pounds of toxic plastic waste. There is currently no viable, scalable method to recycle artificial turf, meaning it would have to be ultimately landfilled and stockpiled – which creates further environmental and health hazards. As an island with extremely limited waste capacity, this burden will fall directly on Nantucket, our landfill, and our future generations.

Given that properly maintained natural grass fields are non-toxic, environmentally sustainable, safely disposable, and preferred by professional athletes and major sports organizations (including the NFL, FIFA & the US National Soccer Teams), it is clear that safer alternatives exist, and their development, maintenance, and upkeep should be prioritized.

For the protection of our community, our environment, and our irreplaceable aquifer, we respectfully urge the School Committee and administration to reject any artificial turf proposal unless it can be and is proven—through transparent, independent, and comprehensive analysis—to be genuinely safe. The available evidence overwhelmingly shows that it is not.

There is no reward, real or perceived, for which the well-documented and significant risk of long-term damage to the health of our environment and community posed by the installation of artificial turf could or should be acceptable.

Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.

Sincerely,

Carol Benchley
Lyman R. " Mitch" Blake Jr.
Christopher Bonelli
Trish Bridier
Anna Day
Melissa Dudley
Linda Ferantella
Alison K. Forsgren
Mollie Glazer
Lisa Graves
Kat Robinson Grieder
David Hall
Julie Hilberg-Hunt
Leyah Jensen
John Kuszpa
Lucy Leske
Polly Miller
Sandy Mitchell
Leah Mojer
Emily Osley
Anne Perkins
Laurie Richards
Emma Ross
Christine Sanford
Erin Splaine
Michelle Whelan
Jacob Gardner Williams