Hi, my name is Layla, and I’m an 8th grader and an athlete. Over the past year, I’ve been learning about PFAS, also called “forever chemicals,” and I was surprised to learn that they may be present in some artificial turf fields where kids practice and play sports every day.

PFAS are man-made chemicals used in products that resist heat, water, stains, and wear. They are called “forever chemicals” because unlike many other chemicals that eventually break down, PFAS are extremely hard to get rid of. They have very strong chemical bonds that allow them to stay in our bodies and  the environment for a really long time.

Scientists and researchers have linked PFAS exposure to serious health concerns including:

• hormone disruption,
• immune system effects,
• developmental concerns,
• fertility issues,
• and increased risk of certain cancers.

Many families have no idea that some artificial turf materials may contain PFAS chemicals.

Children and athletes spend  hours:

• running,sliding,falling, breathing near turf particles,
• having direct skin contact with these surfaces.
• Artificial turf containing PFAS is particularly dangerous in hot weather because heat can cause the plastic turf blades and backing to break down, releasing these "forever chemicals" into the air and into the air and increasing exposure risks
• High heat transforms these compounds into fumes or dust that can be inhaled by athletes and children
• Sweaty skin and increased direct skin-to-turf contact on hot days can enhance the absorption of chemicals.

In California, lawmakers previously passed AB 1423, a bill that would have prohibited intentionally added PFAS in artificial turf. The bill passed the California Legislature in 2023, but Governor Gavin Newsom later vetoed it.

The bill would have prohibited schools and public entities from purchasing or installing artificial turf containing regulated PFAS, required disclosure when turf contained PFAS,and eventually prohibited manufacturing and sale of PFAS-containing turf in California.

California  DID pass separate legislation allowing cities and local governments to restrict or ban synthetic turf themselves.  So it is important we urge local governments and lawmakers to ban artificial turf.

Also progress has been slow, and many communities still do not know whether the turf fields their children use may contain PFAS.

There are PFAS free turf products available. Some of these  companies use independent lab testing, PFAS-free infill and newer manufacturing processes.

I feel fortunate that my school has PFAS-free turf, but many children and athletes at other schools and community fields may not have access to the same protections. I believe all children deserve safe places to play, no matter where they live or go to school.

All artificial turf products should be required to be transparent about testing, chemical content, and have proper labeling.

All artificial turf fields should also provide the same labeled information. 

Families deserve clearer information and safer options.

We must call on lawmakers, schools, athletic organizations, and manufacturers to:

• Push Governor Newsom and California lawmakers to reintroduce and pass  California’s AB 1423
• extend this to not only intentionally added PFAS but instead PFAS-free turf
• require stronger independent testing
• require more transparency and better labeling of artificial turf and fields to let athletes, children and parents know what chemicals they are being exposed to
• prioritize safer athletic environments for children and communities and provide funding or assistance for PFAS-free turf 

Children should be able to play sports, practice, and enjoy outdoor activities without unnecessary exposure to harmful chemicals.

Please sign this petition to help reintroduce and pass bill AB 1423 and ban PFAS in artificial turf and require greater transparency for families and communities.