kepdawg
04-19-2008, 12:42 AM
National commission investigating lead in artificial turf
11:08 PM CDT on Friday, April 18, 2008
Associated Press
TRENTON, N.J. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is looking into the possible health hazards of lead in artificial turf installed at schools, parks and stadiums across the country.
Two fields in New Jersey were closed this week after state health officials detected what they said were unexpectedly high levels of lead in the synthetic turf and raised fears that athletes could swallow or inhale fibers or dust from the playing surface.
The artificial-turf industry denied its products are dangerous. But the CPSC is investigating.
The U.S. has about 3,500 synthetic playing fields made of various materials, including nylon and polyethylene, and about 800 are installed each year at schools, colleges, parks and stadiums, according to the industry's Synthetic Turf Council.
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.
Both nylon fields in New Jersey were AstroTurf brand surfaces.
Jon Pritchett, chief executive of General Sports Venue, the Raleigh, N.C.-based licensee of AstroTurf products in the U.S., said the company's tests have shown a low risk of exposure to lead.
LINK (http://www.hsgametime.com/dfw/sharedcontent/dws/content/topstories/stories/041908dnspoturf.37a8f50.html)
11:08 PM CDT on Friday, April 18, 2008
Associated Press
TRENTON, N.J. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is looking into the possible health hazards of lead in artificial turf installed at schools, parks and stadiums across the country.
Two fields in New Jersey were closed this week after state health officials detected what they said were unexpectedly high levels of lead in the synthetic turf and raised fears that athletes could swallow or inhale fibers or dust from the playing surface.
The artificial-turf industry denied its products are dangerous. But the CPSC is investigating.
The U.S. has about 3,500 synthetic playing fields made of various materials, including nylon and polyethylene, and about 800 are installed each year at schools, colleges, parks and stadiums, according to the industry's Synthetic Turf Council.
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.
Both nylon fields in New Jersey were AstroTurf brand surfaces.
Jon Pritchett, chief executive of General Sports Venue, the Raleigh, N.C.-based licensee of AstroTurf products in the U.S., said the company's tests have shown a low risk of exposure to lead.
LINK (http://www.hsgametime.com/dfw/sharedcontent/dws/content/topstories/stories/041908dnspoturf.37a8f50.html)