Avoid sliding into the turf

The turf wars continue to heat up. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has decided to investigate the health risks associated with lead present in artificial turf. The CPSC decision is a response to the recent closure of two fields using synthetic turf in New Jersey when state health officials found high levels of lead. They were concerned about the effect on athletes if they inhaled or swallowed turf fibers or dust.

In March 2008, over 150 school athletic and grounds maintenance officials attended a convention that addressed worries about the possibilities of synthetic turf, which is usually made up of material from pulverized tires, exposing athletes to the risks of illness.

Independent studies have not established a connection between artificial turf and any illness. But there are studies that confirm the presence of volatile hydrocarbons in the tires that go into artificial turf. The unanswered question is whether the volatile hydrocarbons — known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), which can be carcinogenic — can be released under playing field conditions.

The CPSC said they are only starting their investigation and there is nothing so far that would indicate any threats to health coming from turf fields. They still have to find out many things about how people and product interact. Such questions include whether the lead is transferred to another object and how exposure to it occurs.

Historically, turf war debates have focused on the high initial cost and public access and not so much on health risks. It costs about $600,000 to put in the turf field. Savings generated from less maintenance and watering costs may come to about $60,000 to $70,000 annually.

There are about 3,500 playing fields in the United States using synthetic turf. Nearly 800 are installed every year at schools (including high schools and colleges), parks, and stadiums, according to the Synthetic Turf Council.

To make the grass look green and keep looking that way despite exposure to sunlight, manufacturers use a pigment that contains lead chromate. However, it is not clear just how widespread is the use of the pigment. The New Jersey health officials detected lead in 2 nylon fields but none in 10 polyethylene fields.

The synthetic turf industry officials denied their products pose a danger. At the March conference, industry people said that while some leaching of the PAH is possible, government-sanctioned studies from the U.S. to Denmark have found the product to be safe. PAH can be found anywhere on city sidewalks and streets.

The CPSC said it has “a great deal of interest in any consumer product” that might pose a health risk to children because of lead exposure. In the meantime, the agency cautioned parents not to be rash about avoiding synthetic sports fields: there are more immense benefits of having children get outside and play.

Safety Tips:

* Wash and store sneakers properly. Crushed tire bits could rub off on sneakers.

* Avoid hitting the ground. As much as possible, avoid sliding into the ground (as soccer players often do) or breathing in the dust from the turf.