49/100

Environment

Artificial Turf (Crumb Rubber)

Moderate burden — Artificial Turf (Crumb Rubber) adds a moderate, reducible exposure.

Synthetic sports and play surfaces with rubber infill.

The breakdown

Each driver rated 0 (none) to 10 (worst)

Chemical hazard
5
Everyday exposure
3
Persistence
7

Evidence strength: moderate · Detox Score = 100 − hazard×4.6 − exposure×3.4 − persistence×2.6, clamped 1–100.

What this means for you

A Detox Score of 49 places artificial turf (crumb rubber) in the Moderate band. The persistence rating is the standout concern here — these compounds linger in the body and environment for years. Crumb-rubber infill and turf fibres can contain PFAS, PAHs and metals. Skin and hand-to-mouth contact are the main routes, so washing up after use reduces it.

Cleaner swap → Natural grass where possible, and wash hands after play.
See where your whole exposure load is highest — free Exposure Score →

Frequently asked questions

Is artificial turf (crumb rubber) a toxic exposure?

Artificial Turf (Crumb Rubber) has a Detox Score of 49 out of 100 (Moderate burden), which means it adds a moderate, reducible exposure. Crumb-rubber infill and turf fibres can contain PFAS, PAHs and metals. Skin and hand-to-mouth contact are the main routes, so washing up after use reduces it.

What is a safer alternative to artificial turf (crumb rubber)?

A lower-exposure swap for artificial turf (crumb rubber) is: Natural grass where possible, and wash hands after play. Crumb-rubber infill and turf fibres can contain PFAS, PAHs and metals. Skin and hand-to-mouth contact are the main routes, so washing up after use reduces it.

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