Artificial Turf Being Investigated By CPSC For Lead Concerns
Posted by
Jenny AlbanoApril 19, 2008 5:19 PMTags:
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The CPSC is looking into potential health hazards from lead in artificial turf on school stadiums and parks across the country.
So far two fields in New Jersey have already been closed because state officials found there were high levels of lead in the turf, up to 10 times the amount of lead that is allowed in soil on contaminated sites that are being turned into homes. The lead could potentially be inhaled or swallowed by athletes from dust on the surface of the artificial turf.
In the U.S. there are around 3,5000 synthetic playing fields and about 800 are installed in schools, universities, parks, etc. each year. The CPSC wants to make sure that children using these fields are not put at risk.
Pigment containing lead chromate is used in some surfaces to make the grass green and hold its color in sunlight. But it is not clear how widely the compound is used. The New Jersey Health Department found lead in both of the nylon fields it tested, but in none of the 10 polyethylene surfaces it examined.
Fibers and dust from the turf may become airborne from wear and weathering, which could then be inhaled or swallowed by athletes.
New Jersey's epidemiologist, Dr. Eddy Bresnitz, has ordered tests to find out how easily fibers from the artificial turf can be inhaled or swallowed. He stated that the risk of playing on fields full of lead was probably low, but to take precaution after playing by washing thoroughly and washing clothes separately.
According to the president of the Synthetic Turf Council, Rick Doyle, lead is fixed in place in the nylon and does not leach out, and thus poses no health risk.
Lead can cause brain damage, kidney damage, and other illnesses, particularly in children.