Is artificial turf safe for kids to play on?
Based on 1 peer-reviewed studyhome
Verdict: Avoid
Not ideal. Artificial turf uses tire crumb infill and heats up to burn-skin levels in summer.
What's actually in it
Most artificial turf uses crumb rubber infill from old tires, which contains zinc, PAHs, and VOCs. On hot summer days, artificial turf surfaces hit 60°C+ (140°F+), hot enough to burn bare skin.
What the research says
A 2025 case-control study linked PFAS and tire-related chemicals in dust to childhood health risks.
For backyards, natural grass, clover, or wood chips handle kids' play without the chemistry or heat. If your community has artificial turf fields, limit play on hot days.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| PFAS in residential dust and childhood leukemia. | Int J Cancer | 2025 |
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