Health Risks Among Phoenixville Residents Complaints Over New Turf Fields

PHOENIXVILLE, PA -- Phoenixville residents are calling on the school board to reconsider a plan to construct two new turf fields at the school, citing, among other things, health risks to children.

The school board approved the plan last summer to build the new fields as part of the project to build the Early Learning Center and a new Elementary School.

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Now, however, residents are reportedly concerned over the safety of the turf, to both the children and the environment.

Resident John Mraz said that of four grass fields and two turf fields, the school should install six grass fields, according to the Times Herald.

“We could end up like another Flint, Michigan,” Mraz reportedly said at a February 18 board meeting.

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Residents cited the dangers of turf crumbs being ingested by children, and the numerous environmental and personal questions surrounding the safety of the turf, as reasons for a change.

There is not much conclusive data to support either the safety or the danger of the turf, reports state.