Home / Environment / Turf Fields Leak Deadly Chemical to Salmon
Turf Fields Leak Deadly Chemical to Salmon
21 Mar
Summary
- Artificial turf infill leaches a chemical deadly to coho salmon.
- Chemicals persist in fields for over a decade, posing long-term risk.
- Vancouver Park Board now uses inert infill, avoiding crumb rubber.
Artificial turf fields across Metro Vancouver are releasing a chemical that is lethal to coho salmon, according to a new study from the University of British Columbia. The chemical, identified as 6PPD-quinone, leaches from the crumb rubber infill, which is made from ground-up used tires.
Researchers discovered that this pollution can persist for over a decade, with fields acting as continuous sources of tire-derived contaminants. These chemicals enter stormwater systems and can reach streams and rivers when it rains, posing a significant threat to aquatic life even at very low concentrations.
The Vancouver Park Board has acknowledged these environmental concerns and stated that it no longer uses crumb rubber infill. Current guidelines now mandate the use of inert materials like EPDM rubber, addressing the risks associated with previously used tire-derived infill.
Municipalities can mitigate these risks by opting for alternative infill materials or by implementing treatment systems to capture contaminants before they enter stormwater infrastructure. These measures are crucial for protecting fish populations and other aquatic species from harmful chemical runoff.
