Testing Synthetic Turf For Lead - Readers' Q&A

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Submitted: May 2008

Reports of high lead content are alarming current and prospective owners of synthetic turf fields. Are local officials performing tests on synthetic turf fields in your area?

Athletic Business Editors

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Answers from AB Readers
What are we going to do to replace the car tires since the heat of the pavement combined with the RPH certainly must expound higher harmful gases than the infilled turf with rubber granules? What about the silica dust from the sand used in some fields? What about aspartame sweetener? Caution is good. I have tried to see how many football players since 1967 have got or died from lead poisening playing on the synthetic turf -- found no data. Up here I would think that maybe it is propaganda profiling by the parks union as they lose 4-6 jobs with a synthetic field. l.eldridge consultant eldridge &associates Montreal , quebec Posted: May 2008
Our local high school just ran an article in our local paper saying that they sent samples of turf to a Florida Company to have it tested and the lead levels were an acceptable level. With all the concerns in the headlines they wanted to be sure local athletes were safe. Evidently they are. Deb Marseline Vice President Power Ad Company, Inc. Salina , KS Posted: May 2008
No, we have 18 playgrounds with artificial turf surfacing and have just installed a synthetic turf athletic field. We feel there has been sufficient testing, including EPA tests of the personnel who removed the New Jersey fields, workers who have worked in synthetic turf manufactureing plants for over 20 years and other tests, to not warrant further testing. There is significant independent information available on websites of the Synthetic Turf Council, Astroturf/General Sports Venue and Fieldtruf which counters the unscientific accusations published recently in the media. Jack Mathison Assistant Director City of Hollywood FL Hollywood , FL Posted: May 2008

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