B. Adler of Cambridge posted these observations (excerpted): Toxic run-off. When an artificial field drains after a heavy rain, the run-off (which may contain lead...) could ... contaminate a community's ground and drinking water. Increased MRSA risk. Open skin lesions (so-called "turf burns") put athletes at increased risk of MRSA. .... These open lesions are often the source of contracting and vehicle for spreading dangerous infections. In fact, a 2003 study of MRSA infections ... found that all eight MRSA infections began at turf burn sites. Bacterial breeding ground. Medical experts have found that staphylococci and other bacteria can survive on polyethylene plastic, the compound used to make synthetic turf blades, for more than 90 days. Adverse affect on asthmatics. Breathing in dust of ground-up tires could exacerbate breathing problems for asthmatics. Once artificial, always artificial. Once a community goes with artificial turf, it [is very difficult to go back to grass].