Fake grass isn’t kid-friendly

Re “Hot playgrounds an old problem,” letters, Sept. 5, and “When it's too hot for recess,” Sept. 1

It’s frightening that L.A. schoolchildren are playing on sizzling asphalt, but an important part of the story is still missing.

Years of research show that the school playground surfaces that are even hotter than pavement are made from artificial turf or colorful rubber. On a warm, sunny day, when grass fields are about 90 degrees, artificial turf fields are often 150 degrees or hotter; my organization has measured temperatures up to 180 degrees. Rubber playground surfaces are similarly hot.

Artificial turf is sometimes installed to save water, but unfortunately, artificial turf must be watered to prevent it from getting so hard that it can cause injuries when children fall.

Scientists have clearly documented the dangers of artificial turf, including heat and PFAS and other chemicals, but their concerns are regularly ignored by school boards and other decisionmakers. The Times can contribute to the health and safety of children across the country by examining what these dangers are and why they are being ignored. Diana Zuckerman

Washington The writer is president of the National Center for Health Research.