This summer, after picking up my kids from a sports camp at the Poinsettia Park in Carlsbad, I was horrified. They came home sick with red, watering eyes, nasal congestion, coughing, sneezing, and troubling behavioral issues. The culprit? The 20-year-old artificial turf field layered with tire crumb, a material that carries significant health risks.

The City of Carlsbad is currently reviewing plans to update several aging artificial turf fields in our parks, including the Poinsettia Artificial Turf field. Instead of opting for natural grass, they plan to replace the outdated turf with more of the same hazardous material: turf and tire crumb. This is a short-sighted solution that prioritizes cost savings over the health and well-being of our children.

According to numerous studies, the chemicals found in tire crumb - including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and heavy metals like lead and zinc - pose serious health risks. Extended exposure, especially to developing children, can contribute to respiratory issues, skin irritation, and even significant long-term health problems like cancer.

There are safer, viable alternatives for our sports fields. Good old-fashioned grass, or even recycled organic infills, like coconut fibers or cork, provide the necessary functionality without compromising safety. Implementing these eco-friendly solutions will protect our children from exposure to harmful substances while providing a healthy environment for them to thrive in.

I urge the City of Carlsbad to prioritize the health of our community by exploring bringing back grass fields and adopting healthier alternatives to tire crumb on our athletic fields. Please join me in calling for a change that ensures the safety and well-being of our loved ones by signing this petition today.