Microplastics, PFAs, and Rubber-Derived Pollutants from Artificial Turf: Implications for Athlete Health and Sport-Facility Management

Abstract

Background. Artificial turf is widely used in sport facilities, but concerns persist about artificial-turf-derived microplastics, PFAS, and rubber-derived pollutants. Aim. This narrative review synthesizes gathered evidence on pollutant sources, exposure pathways, health-risk interpretation, and sport-facility management. Material and methods. Twenty-three publications were analyzed using a hazard-exposure-risk framework linking turf components, pollutant classes, athlete exposure routes, bioaccessibility, and management responses. Results. Artificial turf is a multi-component exposure system. Crumb-rubber particles may contain tire-derived organic chemicals, metals, PAHs, VOCs, 6PPD-related transformation products, and other additives, while fibers and backing may contribute fluorinated compounds. Exposure through dermal contact, incidental ingestion, inhalation, and environmental runoff is plausible, particularly for frequent users, youth athletes, goalkeepers, and indoor-facility users. Long-term athlete disease causation remains unproven based on the reviewed publications. Conclusions. Artificial turf pollutants should be managed as a potential sport-health and facility-governance concern through material transparency, infill evaluation, ventilation, particle containment, monitoring, runoff control, and end-of-life planning.