PFAS on Turf: Legal Rights for CA Families

PFAS on Kids’ Skin After Turf Play? What California Families Should Know

For millions of California families, weekends are spent at the soccer pitch, football field, or local park. Increasingly, these green spaces are made not of natural grass, but of artificial turf. Touted for their durability and low water usage, these fields have become a staple in schools and communities. However, a recent news report is raising new questions about the chemical safety of these playing surfaces, leaving parents to wonder if their kids are being exposed to hidden dangers.

A report by The National Desk highlighted a small, preliminary study that has ignited fresh concerns. The study, conducted by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), found that after playing on artificial turf, players and coaches had detectable increases of certain “forever chemicals,” known as PFAS, on their skin. While the science is still emerging, the findings point to a potential exposure pathway that many parents never considered. At Walch Law, we believe families deserve clear information about potential risks and their legal rights. This guide explains the new concerns about PFAS on turf and what California families should know.

What Are PFAS and What Did the New Study Find?

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of man-made chemicals used for decades in thousands of products to make them resistant to heat, water, and stains. They are called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the environment or the human body. They have been linked to a range of health issues, including certain cancers, immune system effects, and developmental problems.

The recent concern stems from a news report covering a small-scale PEER study. Here’s what it found:

The Study: Researchers used specialized wipes to test the hands of four individuals (players and a coach) before and after they played soccer on both artificial turf and natural grass.
The Findings: Three of the four participants showed an increase of a specific PFAS chemical (PFOS) on their skin after playing on artificial turf. This increase was not seen after playing on natural grass.
The Takeaway: The study suggests that the plastic blades of artificial turf, which are often manufactured using PFAS, can transfer these chemicals directly onto a player’s skin during normal athletic activity.

It is crucial to understand that this was a small, preliminary study and not definitive proof of harm. However, it highlights a potential exposure route—dermal absorption (through the skin)—that needs more research. The National Desk’s report also noted that while the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has studied crumb rubber infill in the past, it did not test for PFAS and has no current plans to study PFAS in artificial turf. While some states have moved to restrict PFAS in turf, a recent California bill to ban them was vetoed, meaning these fields continue to be installed across our state.

Potential Legal Theories if Harm is Linked to Turf Exposure

If future scientific research establishes a clear link between PFAS exposure from artificial turf and specific health conditions, victims may have several avenues for legal action. These are complex, forward-looking cases that would likely involve:

Product Liability: This is the most likely legal claim. It would argue that the turf was defective.
- Design Defect: The product’s design was inherently unsafe because it contained and shed toxic PFAS chemicals.
- Failure to Warn: The manufacturer knew or should have known about the risks of PFAS exposure but failed to adequately warn schools, cities, and the public.
Public Nuisance: This claim would argue that the widespread installation of PFAS-laden turf has created a public health hazard that interferes with the community’s right to safety.
Consumer Protection: Lawsuits could be filed under laws that prohibit companies from making deceptive or misleading claims about the safety of their products.

Who Could Be Held Responsible?

Liability in these cases could extend to multiple parties in the supply chain:

Manufacturers of the turf blades and backing.
Chemical Companies that produce the PFAS used in manufacturing.
Distributors and Installers of the turf fields.
Public Entities (cities, counties, school districts) could potentially be implicated if they knew about the risks but failed to act to protect the public. Claims against government bodies in California have a very short 6-month deadline under the Government Claims Act.

Practical Steps for Concerned Parents

While the science develops, there are reasonable steps parents can take to reduce potential exposure without pulling their kids out of the sports they love. Your first and most important resource should always be your child’s pediatrician.

Practice Post-Play Hygiene: Insist on thorough hand and face washing with soap and water immediately after play, and especially before eating or drinking.
Cover Abrasions: Use bandages to cover any scrapes or cuts before play to create a barrier for the skin.
Minimize Ingestion: Encourage older kids to avoid touching their mouths during play and watch toddlers closely to prevent them from mouthing turf blades or infill.
Rotate Playing Surfaces: When possible, seek out opportunities for play on natural grass fields.
Ask Questions: Ask your school or city parks department if they have material safety data sheets or other disclosures about the turf products installed. Inquire about their maintenance and replacement schedules.

Preserving Evidence if Health Issues Arise

If your child develops a health condition that you and your doctors believe could be linked to chemical exposure, documenting the exposure history is critical.

Create an Exposure Diary: Keep a detailed log of the fields your child plays on, the dates and duration of play, and the type of contact (e.g., sliding tackles, falls).
Document the Field: Take pictures of the field, any visible labels on equipment, and the general condition of the turf.
Gather Records: Keep copies of team schedules, league communications, and any records from the school or city related to the field’s purchase, installation, or maintenance.
Preserve Medical Records: Maintain a complete file of all doctor visits, diagnoses, lab tests, and treatments.
Save Product Samples: If a field your child played on is being replaced, an attorney can help ensure a sample is properly collected and preserved with a clear chain of custody for future testing.

Considering a Legal Claim: What to Know

Bringing a toxic exposure claim is a highly complex and lengthy process. It is very different from a typical car accident case.

Medical Diagnosis is Key: A successful claim requires a formal medical diagnosis of a condition that scientific experts can link to PFAS exposure. A suspicion of harm is not enough.
Expert Testimony is Required: These cases are won or lost based on the testimony of world-class experts in toxicology, epidemiology, and medicine who can explain the science to a jury.
Deadlines are Strict: In California, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is generally two years from when you knew or should have known that an exposure caused the injury. For claims against a public entity like a school, the Government Claims Act requires a formal claim within six months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Is having PFAS on the skin the same as being poisoned?
No. Exposure is not the same as illness. The concern is that chemicals on the skin could be absorbed into the body (dermal absorption) or ingested. The PEER study only showed that a transfer to skin occurred; it did not measure how much, if any, was absorbed into the body.

2. Do gloves or long sleeves help reduce exposure?
They may act as a physical barrier and could potentially reduce skin contact. However, more research is needed to know if this is an effective preventative measure.

3. Is the crumb rubber infill the problem, or the plastic grass blades?
While older concerns focused on chemicals in crumb rubber infill, this new study focuses on PFAS used to manufacture the plastic grass blades themselves, which is a separate issue.

4. Is PFAS banned in artificial turf?
Not nationally. Some states have passed laws to ban or restrict PFAS in turf products. California’s legislature passed a bill, but it was vetoed by the governor, so there is currently no statewide ban.

5. Can I demand my child be moved to a different field at school?
You can certainly raise your concerns with the school administration or district. Sharing information and organizing with other parents can sometimes lead to policy changes, but there is no legal requirement for them to move a team to a different field based on these preliminary concerns.

6. Should I get my child tested for PFAS?
This is a medical question you must discuss with your pediatrician. Blood tests for PFAS exist, but they can be expensive and may not be covered by insurance. A doctor can help you understand the pros and cons and what the results would mean for your child’s health care.

Walch Law: Helping Families Navigate Complex Claims

The news about PFAS on artificial turf is concerning, and it is natural for parents to feel worried. While the scientific and legal landscape is still evolving, you have the right to get answers and understand your options. The experienced legal team at Walch Law can help you assess the situation, preserve critical evidence, and navigate the complex deadlines for filing a claim.

If you are concerned about your child’s health after exposure to potentially toxic substances, contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. 1-844-999-5342