California Health Study Confirms Synthetic Turf Is Safe for Families and Athletes

Is Synthetic Turf Safe? California's Landmark Study Says Yes

If you've ever wondered whether artificial grass is safe for your kids, your pets, or yourself, a major new study just put those concerns to rest. In March 2026, California's Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) released the final results of one of the most thorough state-level evaluations of synthetic turf ever conducted. The verdict? Synthetic turf is safe.

What the Study Found

The OEHHA study didn't cut corners. Researchers sampled 35 synthetic turf fields across different age groups and climate regions throughout California, tested for more than 100 chemicals, and modeled real-world exposure for athletes, young children, and spectators. They looked at skin contact, inhalation, and incidental ingestion, and assessed both short-term and long-term health outcomes. The findings were clear: no significant risk of cancer, sensory irritation, reproductive harm, or other health effects for players, coaches, referees, or spectators, including toddlers.

Not the First Time Science Has Said This

This study didn't come out of nowhere. In 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, working alongside the CDC and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, found that athletes on synthetic turf fields experienced no significant difference in chemical exposure compared to athletes playing on fertilized natural grass.
The science is building into a clear consensus: synthetic turf is a safe, reliable surface for communities, schools, and families.

What This Means for Your Home or Business

Whether you're thinking about a backyard putting green, a low-maintenance lawn, or a commercial landscape that holds up year-round, you can feel confident in the choice. Southwest Greens installs premium synthetic turf systems designed to last, look great, and give you a space you'll actually use.

Ready to get started? Contact us today for a free quote.