Artificial turf Facts for Kids

Artificial turf.

Artificial turf is a special surface that looks like real grass but is made by humans. It's also called synthetic turf. People make it from man-made materials. You often see it in sports stadiums where games are usually played on grass. But it's also used in yards and for other businesses. A big plus of artificial turf is that it's easy to take care of. You don't need to water it or cut it. However, it has some downsides, like how long it lasts and needing to be cleaned. Artificial turf is very popular in sports, especially in places where the weather or heavy use makes it hard to keep real grass looking good.

The History of Artificial Turf
Is Artificial Turf Good for the Environment?
- Runoff and Water Pollution
- Microplastic Pollution
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The History of Artificial Turf

Artificial grass was first used in 1966. It was put into the Houston Astrodome. This was the world's first indoor sports stadium with a dome. In 1965, during the stadium's first year, the real grass couldn't grow well. By the middle of that season, the field was in bad shape. So, they installed artificial grass, which they called "Astroturf."

Is Artificial Turf Good for the Environment?

Artificial turf has some environmental concerns. One worry is that it can affect wildlife. Another issue is that water running off the turf can carry harmful things. Tiny pieces of plastic from the turf can also spread into nature.

Runoff and Water Pollution

When it rains, water flows off artificial turf. This water can pick up tiny bits of harmful stuff. For example, zinc, which can hurt fish and other water animals, has been found in this runoff. This means the water can carry pollution into rivers and lakes.

Microplastic Pollution

Artificial turf is made of synthetic materials. Over time, tiny pieces of these materials can break off. These include small infill particles and broken grass fibers. These tiny pieces can move away from sports fields or yards. When they do, they add to something called microplastic pollution. Microplastics are very small plastic bits that can harm the environment.