Kids Playing on Synthetic Turf Are Breathing Microplastics

Every time your kid plays on synthetic turf, they're breathing in airborne microplastics. The artificial grass is shedding particles into the air right where children run, fall, and breathe heavily.

What the Study Found

A 2026 study measured airborne microplastic emissions from synthetic sports surfaces and assessed the health risks to children. The surfaces release plastic particles that become airborne during play. Children, who breathe faster and closer to ground level, get higher doses per pound of body weight.

Synthetic turf fields are in schools, parks, and sports facilities everywhere. They're marketed as low-maintenance alternatives to natural grass. Nobody mentions the microplastic emissions.

What You Can Do

Choose natural grass fields when possible. Have kids wash hands and face after playing on synthetic turf. Advocate for natural grass at schools. If your kid plays sports on turf regularly, be aware of the exposure.

Browse our non-toxic baby products for safer options for active kids.

Also see glass food storage for safer alternatives.

Source: Synthetic Turf Microplastics Study (2026).