Resident urges Norwalk Board of Health to study health impacts of artificial turf proposals

Norwalk — During public participation at the Board of Health meeting on April 22, resident Diane Loracella urged the board and the health department to pursue an independent health study of artificial turf playing fields proposed in Norwalk.

Loracella identified herself as a longtime Norwalk resident and said the city has installed seven artificial turf fields and removed one at Norwalk High School. She said three new artificial turf fields are proposed for the Broad River Baseball Complex and that, if built, Norwalk would have up to ten artificial turf fields.

"I am a proponent of natural turf fields that are funded properly," Loracella said, and asked the department epidemiologist and director to "be bolder and to seek more answers" rather than waiting for state or federal agencies. She told the board, "The mayor has refused to do so," referring to her request that the mayor commission a neutral, peer‑reviewed health study.

Loracella asked the board to request or commission a neutral, peer‑reviewed analysis of the health risks and benefits of artificial turf compared with natural turf, including design and drainage considerations to reduce long‑term maintenance harms to children.

Board response and context The public comment period closed after Loracella spoke; board members did not take formal action on her request during the meeting. The transcript records the comment as part of public participation; neither the epidemiologist's update nor the department director's report included a follow‑up decision during this session.

Ending: Loracella’s remarks were recorded under public participation; the board did not vote or direct staff to open an independent study during the meeting.