We answered readers’ most-asked questions about PFAS, brain cancer, and the Inquirer’s investigation into old Vet turf

Samples of old turf from Veterans Stadium contained PFAS, or per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances — so-called “forever chemicals,” according to an Inquirer investigation published earlier this month.

The samples, purchased through eBay and tested by two different labs, had at least 16 different types of the chemicals, which the EPA has said cause “adverse health effects that can devastate families.” The finding was part of a larger investigation by The Inquirer that followed the deaths of six former Phillies who all died from the same aggressive brain cancer — glioblastoma.

The Inquirer hosted a Reddit AMA (”Ask Me Anything”) on Tuesday in collaboration with the r/baseball subreddit, answering readers’ most-asked questions about the story. Inquirer reporters Barbara Laker and David Gambacorta were joined by Kyla Bennett, science policy director for Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, to answer the questions.

Here are a few of their answers. You can read the full thread here.

Answer from Barbara Laker: After David West died last year, we knew there were six Phillies players who had died from brain cancer. And we — and other people — wondered if there was something going on. After research, we decided to look into the artificial turf.

Answer from David Gambacorta: AstroTurf was a specific brand, manufactured by the chemical company Monsanto. They were the dominant player in the turf industry during the 1970s and 1980s, though there were a handful of other companies as well. We haven’t delved into which brands were used by other teams/cities in that era.

Answer from Kyla Bennett: We absolutely have not proved causation; pointing out the correlation. Together with very recent peer-reviewed articles that show PFAS in glioblastomas, this is a red flag. There are over 14,000 PFAS, and we only have human health toxicity data on around 25 of them.

Answer from David Gambacorta: The city currently plans to create a dozen new turf fields as part of a $250 million renovation of FDR Park in South Philadelphia — a few blocks from where the Vet once stood. Some community groups and environmental advocates oppose this plan; the city has told us they are seeking turf that does not contain PFAS. Though, as Kyla mentions elsewhere in this chat, the chemicals continue to be used in modern turf production.

Answer from Kyla Bennett: There are a number of resources — look at Mount Sinai (https://mountsinaiexposomics.org/artificial-turf/) and TURI (https://www.turi.org/Our_Work/Community/Athletic_Playing_Fields). Many community leaders are unaware of the risks. Good luck!

Answer from Barbara Laker: We are beginning to look at that. We’d love to hear from grounds crew at that time, or their relatives.

Looking for other answers? You can read the full Reddit AMA thread here.