LA City Council takes a step towards the potential ban of artificial turf

The Los Angeles City Council committee approved a motion calling for a feasibility study into a potential ban on artificial grass. Kelly Shannon McNeil, associate director of the nonprofit Los Angeles Waterkeeper, saw the move as an “incredibly positive step,” according to an article by the Los Angeles Daily News.

The city council’s energy and environment committee voted on June 28 to approve a study in order to understand the health impacts of artificial turf. The product, widely used by schools and homeowners, could contain polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

McNeil advocates for environmental and water resource causes and said the issue of PFAS and other “forever chemicals” is important to her as a mother of a two-year-old.

“We’re looking at all of the different ways we can limit exposure to PFAS in our communities and banning artificial turf would be an immediate opportunity to do so,” McNeil said.

The product is widely installed in residential yards, recreational areas and sports fields. Los Angeles City Council members Bob Blumenfield and Katy Yaroslavsky introduced and seconded the motion.

In 2023, the state legislature passed SB 676, allowing local governments to ban artificial grass. Millbrae and San Marino have since passed bans. In April, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) categorized PFAS and other “forever chemicals” as hazardous substances dangerous to human health.

In 2019, the EPA released a study examining the safety of tire crumb rubber used in artificial turf. It found that “although chemicals are present (as expected) in the tire crumb rubber, and exposures can occur, they are likely limited.” The study did not test for PFAS.

Melanie Taylor, president and CEO of the Synthetic Turf Council, said in a letter to the Los Angeles City Council that “there are significant advantages to using synthetic turf, which is why schools, families and communities across the nation are choosing to utilize it.”