… But this year Democrats in the Legislature went in a different direction, proposing bills that would discourage synthetic turf. They’re worried about health risks created by the chemicals present in these lawns, including perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS chemicals. One of the bills Newsom signed, for instance, undoes the Brown-era law and allows cities and counties to again ban artificial turf. Some California cities have already begun moving to prohibit fake lawns, including Millbrae in San Mateo County and San Marino in Los Angeles County. … Microplastics from the grass blades and crumb rubber can also leach into groundwater and freshwater bodies.

Related articles: 

• University of Southern California: 5 things to know about toxic ‘forever chemicals’ now limited by California law
• Los Angeles Daily News: California cracks down on ‘forever chemicals,’ or PFAS, found in food packaging