Synthetic Turf Lead Levels Safe According to U.S. CPSC

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has released the results of their evaluation of the safety of synthetic turf used at many school and government-owned athletic fields throughout the U.S. Although some older fields were found to contain lead, the commission concluded that young children are not at risk of lead poisoning as a result of synthetic turf.

There are over 3,500 synthetic turf fields throughout the United States. Many natural grass fields have been replaced in recent years with artificial turf because it can be played on in all weather conditions and is easier to maintain. However, in recent months, concerns have surfaced about lead contained in the turf, which could impact the health of children who play on them.

The nylon used to make the artificial grass may disintegrate over time and release dust containing lead particles. If enough of the dust is transferred from the hands to the mouth, ingested through water bottles or food placed on the field or absorbed through the skin, it could cause lead poisoning.

Children are especially susceptible to lead poisoning, which could cause behavioral problems, brain damage, a weakened immune system or even death. In adults, lead poisoning may cause kidney failure, high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems.

Concerns about the exposure of children to excessive levels of lead in synthetic turf were raised after the metal was detected on some playing fields in New Jersey. In April 2008, the CPSC agreed to investigate artificial turf fields to evaluate the risk to children posed by the quantities of lead posed found on fields.

Last week, the California-based Center for Environmental Health filed a synthetic turf lawsuit against certain manufacturers of these fields. The watchdog group tested over 50 samples of synthetic turf and found that one-third of the samples contained lead in excess of the California upper limit of 0.5 microgram per day of lead exposure. Manufacturers have insisted that their products are safe and that the lead could not leach out of the nylon grass and become airborne.

On July 30, the CPSC issued a statement that the level of lead exposure for children playing on artificial turf fields was not high enough to merit concern. It suggested preventive measures such as washing hands after play and also recommended that new turf be reformulated to exclude lead. The report indicates that worn out nylon may release some lead with time but not enough to be a risk to children.

The Center for Environmental Health criticized the findings of the CPSC and pointed out several flaws in their evaluation. The group indicated that the government’s sample size of 14 was not representative enough. In addition, an outdated standard of 15 micrograms per day of lead exposure was viewed as acceptable, even though California standards are 30 times more protective.

The environmental watchdog group intends to move forward with the lawsuit filed against synthetic turf manufacturers, and will continue their efforts to ensure that artificial turf fields are reformulate to protect children from lead exposure today and in the future.