California is laying down more synthetic grass than any other state, and parents are beginning to question whether the cheap convenience is worth the hidden dangers.

The state now installs roughly 1,100 acres of artificial turf annually – the equivalent of about 870 football fields – across school fields, city parks and private lawns. The numbers come from a statewide estimate tha…

A fast‑track rollout with a thin safety net

Municipalities and school districts tout the turf’s water savings, lack of pesticide needs and year‑round playability. "The fields do not require water, pesticides or fertilizers. They also provide year‑round playing …