City Cast Philly logo
March 6, 2024

Why Is Philly Still Using Toxic Turf?

City Cast Philly

Why Is Philly Still Using Toxic Turf?

00:00:00
View all City Cast Philly episodes

More than a dozen ballfields in Philadelphia use artificial turf, and the city has big plans to add more. But that material contains toxic chemicals – among them PFAS – which are linked to certain types of cancer. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with David Gambacorta and Barbara Laker, investigative reporters with The Philadelphia Inquirer, about the risks of fake turf and why Philly is still using it.

Read David and Barbara’s most recent stories on the toxins in artificial turf here and here.

Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly.

We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly.

Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170.

Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Hey Philly

Stay connected to City Cast Philly and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Latest Episodes

See all
July 6

Do The Sounds of Your Philly Neighborhood Annoy You?

While all fireworks shows have ended, Philly is still a noisy place. Just listen to the El train rolling by, neighbors yelling at each ot...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
July 3

'Your City Could Be Better': The Ultimate USA Trivia Battle. How Much Do You Know? — Presented By City Cast Philly

See if your Philly knowledge serves you well! In the first-ever Your City Could Be Better trivia episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz goes...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
July 2

Philly-Made Cocktails Worth Celebrating With

Every celebration needs a beverage to pair with it. This weekend, as the city marks the semiquincentennial with fireworks, block parties,...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
July 1

Your Guide to July 2026 in Philly

As America rings in its 250th anniversary on July 4, Philadelphia celebrates with free museum admission, concerts, and special events for...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
June 30

Can a Free July 4 Concert Keep You in Philly? Plus, Pension Loophole & SEPTA Housing

Are you sticking around for the semiquincentennial celebrations this weekend? Host Trenae Nuri, senior producer Abby Fritz, and Fae Ehsan...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
June 29

Is 2026 the Safest Year in Philly’s History?

Is 2026 the safest year in Philly’s history? If you look at homicide rates, it just might be. In 2025, we saw the fewest number of homici...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
June 28

'Your City Could Be Better': How Denver Is Fixing Its Sidewalks — Presented By City Cast Philly

Just how good are the sidewalks in Philadelphia? The state of a city’s sidewalks can be a good indicator of how healthy that city is — an...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
June 26

FCC Targets 6abc, Philly Grades Our Politicians & Broad Street Goes Green

For today’s Friday News Roundup, we’re talking about our city’s most popular and least popular politicians, why it seems like President T...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
June 25

Philly’s Best Sunrise & Sunset Views

Catching the sunrise in the morning or the sunset in the evening can be a magical Philly experience. Because the city is relatively flat,...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art
June 24

Can Slot Machines At Your Corner Store Save PA’s Budget?

Pennsylvania’s state budget is due next week. It’s the state’s plan on how to spend money and support the services we rely on – public sc...

City Cast Philly podcast episode art