Are turf fields safe to play on? Critics have PFAS, heat and injury-related concerns

By Connor Smith | WECT | August 14, 2025

Read the full article by Connor Smith (WECT)

"In just a week, high school football teams around North Carolina will return to the field.

For some schools, that means a return to the turf fields they play on. All three Brunswick County high schools, plus New Hanover High School – which plays at Legion Stadium – have turf fields. Brunswick County opted to add turf in 2019, saying it would benefit students, parents and coaches.

Advocates say the fields help reduce maintenance costs, are more durable and lend themselves to year-round use. Critics, though, say turf fields are dangerous to play on.

“My personal belief is that there’s never a good reason to use artificial turf,” said Kyla Bennett, the director of science policy at Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER)."