PFAS/ Health Risks

Despite impact on human health and the environment, this 7 acre green space (land that is completely covered with grass, trees, shrubs, and other vegetation) will be clear cut and covered almost entirely by artificial turf fields and concrete.

In September 2022, the city of Boston banned artificial turf in parks due to PFAS- labeled toxic ‘forever chemicals.’

The dangers of PFAS chemicals are becoming increasingly clear, and there is growing concern about their impact on human health and the environment. Here are some of the dangers associated with PFAS chemicals:

Health risks: PFAS chemicals have been linked to a range of health problems, including cancer, thyroid disease, decreased fertility, developmental delays in infants and children, and immune system dysfunction.
Persistence: PFAS chemicals are persistent in the environment and do not break down easily, meaning that they can accumulate in soil, water, and air, and can remain in the environment for decades or even centuries.
Bioaccumulation: PFAS chemicals can bioaccumulate in the food chain, meaning that they can build up in the bodies of animals and humans over time. This can result in higher concentrations of PFAS chemicals in higher-level predators, including humans.
Global distribution: PFAS chemicals have been found in water supplies, soil, and even in the bodies of people and animals all over the world, including in remote areas far from industrial sources.
Regulatory challenges: PFAS chemicals are not regulated by most countries, including the United States. This means that companies can continue to use them in products, despite growing evidence of their potential harm.

The dangers of PFAS chemicals are significant and have far-reaching implications for human health and the environment. It is essential that governments and companies take action to restrict the use of PFAS chemicals and develop safer alternatives.

In September 2022, the city of Boston banned artificial turf in parks due to toxic ‘forever chemicals.’

The city joins a growing number across the US in limiting the use of artificial turf made with dangerous PFAS compounds. All artificial turf is made with toxic PFAS compounds and some is still produced with ground-up tires that can contain heavy metals, benzene, VOCs and other carcinogens that can present a health threat. The material also emits high levels of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and sheds microplastics and other chemicals into waterways.

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