Group warns of excessive Lead in Artificial Turf

Unacceptably high levels of lead were found in artificial turf, reported a California watchdog group, which warned the manufacturers to recall and reformulate their products otherwise it will sue them. Lead, being a potent neurotoxin causes major health hazard, especially in children under the age of six.

Prompted by the New Jersey public health officials’ disclosure of excessive lead in some synthetic sports fields two months ago, federal authorities suggested lead testing on fraying sports fields.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said in a statement that it does not yet understand the potential risks associated with exposure to dust from worn artificial turf. The agency however urged minimal lead exposure in small children.

The Oakland, Calif.-based Center for Environmental Health then got the examination done in an independent lab. While testing, the centre went beyond the sports field and found excessive lead in indoor/outdoor carpeting, artificial lawns and playground grass made with nylon and polyethylene, said Charles Margulis, a spokesman for the group.

Lead, in a subsequent test was found to be so accessible that it could be wiped off turf with a cloth or a child's hand.

The maximum permissible level of lead, considered by the group was 600 parts per million, exceeding which, it was classified to be excessive. Of the 50 products tested, at least 15 were found to have excessive lead levels.

Margulis said the center has begun notifying 15 turf manufacturers and retailers of its intent to sue under California's Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act, if the companies do not agree to recall the products or reformulate artificial turf so it contains less lead.

Among the warned are some of the country's largest retailers, like Ace Hardware and Lowe's, as well as some of the best-known turf manufacturers, like AstroTurf.

The companies have 60 days to respond.

Rick Doyle, president of the Synthetic Turf Council, an industry trade group, said the lead in turf is encapsulated in the blades and does not leach out or become airborne.

"It does not pose a risk to human health or the environment," Doyle said. "It is not readily absorbed by the body or released into the environment."

The main threat, according to heath officials, is cumulative exposure. Anyone playing on a turf lawn or field once is unlikely to sustain an excessive lead exposure, but the risk rises with repeated exposures.

The government has not set any standard for the amount of lead that is acceptable in artificial turf.