Parents gathered at the Brighton (N.Y.) High School auditorium this week to discuss the district’s proposal to replace part of the school’s grass athletic field with synthetic turf, with some expressing concerns regarding the turf's safety.
As reported by NBC affiliate WHEC in Rochester, Brighton district voters approved a capital project, including work on the athletic fields, in February 2024, with 87% of voters approving.
Now, some parents are expressing skepticism about the district’s claims that the turf would be free of harmful chemicals.
“I have a letter here from the Synthetic Turf Council saying that they haven’t developed a PFAS-free product,” said David Masur. “So I’d like to know how the district plans on getting a PFAS-free turf when the manufacturers say they don’t make one.”
PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that are used in a wide range of consumer products, Because they don't break down easily, PFAS are known as "forever chemicals" that can persist in the environment and build up in the blood of people and wildlife.
No decision was made during the meeting. The district scheduled another community discussion for Dec. 10.
