Group warns of lead in artificial turf

A California watchdog group yesterday cautioned consumers about potential lead exposure from artificial turf products found in homes and playgrounds.

The warning came five days after the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a health advisory about potential exposure to lead in artificial turf. Conceding that "CDC does not yet understand the potential risks associated with exposure to dust from worn artificial turf," the agency issued recommendations to minimize exposure in children age 6 and under, who are most vulnerable to lead.

Last week's federal advisory was prompted largely by New Jersey public health officials' findings two months ago of unacceptable lead levels in some synthetic sports fields. Testing in New Jersey found high lead levels in nylon and nylon-blend fields that had endured a lot of wear.

The lead found at three turf fields - in Newark, Hoboken, and the College of New Jersey outside Trenton - could be absorbed by humans, a follow-up test showed, but the state epidemiologist said the lead levels were not high enough to cause poisoning to people who play on the fields.

Yesterday's warning by the Oakland, Calif.-based Center for Environmental Health was broader. Tests by an independent lab showed excessive lead in indoor/outdoor carpeting, artificial lawns and playground grass made with nylon and polyethylene, said Charles Margulis, a spokesman for the center.

A subsequent test showed lead could be wiped off turf with a cloth or a child's hand.

Margulis said yesterday that 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 unless the companies agree to recall the products or reformulate artificial turf to contain less lead.

Names on the list include 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.

The center uses litigation and advocacy to remove toxins from consumer products and the environment.

Davis Lee, a Georgia Tech professor and consultant to turf manufacturers, was skeptical of the center's claims.

"Their results are not consistent with what I've seen," Lee said. "I've done several months worth of testing. I've not seen anything that would raise a concern."

The Synthetic Turf Council, an industry trade group, did not reply to requests for comment. Messages left with Ace, Lowe's and AstroTurf weren't immediately returned.

Earlier this month, AstroTurf issued a statement saying additional tests by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services confirmed the safety of synthetic turf fields.

(Published by The Philadelphia Inquirer - june 24, 2008)