Mass. hearing weighs statewide ban on artificial turf amid health and waste concerns

Representative Paul Gentile, sponsors and advocates pressed the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight on Tuesday for legislation that would prohibit state and municipal contracts for installing artificial turf fields that contain zinc, plastic or intentionally added PFAS.

Supporters said the measure is intended to protect children and municipal environments from chemicals and microplastics, reduce heat‑related injury risk on playing surfaces and avoid generation of large, toxic waste streams when turf reaches end of life.

The bill’s backers argued Massachusetts should adopt a single statewide standard instead of a patchwork of local policies. "The science clearly shows that artificial turf is a serious threat to the public, especially our youth," Representative Gentile said, citing studies and local bans, including Boston’s restrictions enacted in late 2022.

Speakers testifying for the ban described multiple concerns. Tracy Stewart, a Medway resident who has organized against local turf projects, told the committee she recorded…