H.3339 - An Act prohibiting the purchase and installation artificial turf fields

Full Bill Tiltle: An Act prohibiting state and municipal contracts for the purchase and installation of artificial turf fields

Bill Status: Read more.

Background: Artificial turf poses three major risks: extreme heat retention, increased injury rates, and exposure to toxic chemicals. Studies show that turf fields can reach temperatures up to 87°F hotter than natural grass, creating dangerous conditions for athletes especially youth as climate change drives temperatures higher. Turf surfaces are also harder and more abrasive, contributing to more frequent and severe injuries, including infections from turf burns. Most critically, artificial turf contains PFAS and other toxins that leach into surrounding ecosystems and water supplies. Incidents like the runoff from Wayland High School’s turf field into the Sudbury watershed highlight the real and present environmental threats posed by these fields.

What this bill would do:  This legislation prohibits state agencies and local governments from funding the purchase, use, or installation of artificial turf that contains zinc, plastic, or intentionally-added PFAS chemicals. Existing turf fields with these substances may remain in use for their expected lifespan but cannot be replaced with similar materials.