New study finds artificial turf fields in Metro Vancouver releasing chemicals harmful to salmon

Muzammil Hussain March 25, 2026

A person wearing blue protective gloves is holding a small pile of black rubber-like granules in their hand.

A new study from the University of British Columbia is raising concerns about the environmental impact of artificial turf fields across Metro Vancouver, which, it says, is leaching a chemical into municipal stormwater systems that’s deadly to coho salmon.

A new study from the University of British Columbia is raising concerns about the environmental impact of artificial turf fields across Metro Vancouver, which, it says, is leaching a chemical into municipal stormwater systems that’s deadly to coho salmon. A person wearing blue protective gloves is holding a small pile of black rubber-like granules in their hand.

A new study from the University of British Columbia is raising concerns about the environmental impact of artificial turf fields across Metro Vancouver, which, it says, is leaching a chemical into municipal stormwater systems that’s deadly to coho salmon.