UBC Study Links Artificial Turf to Salmon-Killing Chemicals in Metro Vancouver
A UBC study reveals that artificial turf fields in Metro Vancouver are leaching 6PPD-quinone, a chemical deadly to coho salmon, into stormwater systems. Sourced from crumb rubber infill (ground-up tires), the contamination persists for years, harming aquatic life. While Vancouver invests in these fields, the Park Board now uses non-toxic infill. Researchers suggest alternative materials or treatment systems to mitigate the environmental impact on fish-bearing waterways.
A new University of British Columbia study highlights a significant environmental concern in Metro Vancouver: artificial turf fields are releasing a chemical called 6PPD-quinone into stormwater systems, which then makes its way into local streams and rivers. This chemical, derived from the crumb rubber infill commonly used in these fields (made from ground-up used tires), has been found to be lethal to coho salmon even in very small concentrations. Researchers collected samples from 12 fields and stormwater drainage, finding contamination can persist for over a decade.According to the study, an average turf field contains about 125 tonnes of crumb rubber, equivalent to 20,000 tires, becoming a long-term source of pollution. Rachel Scholes, a UBC assistant professor, and Katie Moloney, a PhD student, emphasized that the amount of 6PPD-quinone released exceeds lethal concentrations for coho salmon and can harm other species like juvenile cutthroat trout. The concern is heightened because water draining through these fields often enters urban stormwater infrastructure or surface waters without prior treatment.Despite these findings, the City of Vancouver continues to invest in synthetic turf fields due to high demand for sports space, year-round usability, and strong cost recovery. However, the Vancouver Park Board has stated it no longer uses crumb rubber infill, opting for inert and non-toxic materials like EPDM rubber. Researchers also identified other toxic substances, including copper and zinc. They recommend municipalities use alternative infill materials, such as polymer, or install advanced treatment systems beneath fields to capture contaminants before they reach aquatic environments, thereby protecting vulnerable salmon populations and other aquatic life.
