Artificial turf - early results

The following article was just published in "Newsday":

Report: Lead found in fields can be absorbed by body
June 4, 2008

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) _ New Jersey Health Department officials say lead found in artificial turf at three athletic fields can be absorbed by humans.

Since last year, elevated lead levels were discovered at Frank Sinatra Park in Hoboken, Lion Stadium at the College of New Jersey in Ewing and a field in Newark's Iron Bound district. Other fields tested have not had lead.

The Health Department says tests show lead from fibers and dust can be dissolved under conditions similar to human digestion.

State epidemiologist Eddy Bresnitz says the lead levels are not high enough to cause poisoning to people who play on the fields. But he says it could cause more damage for children already exposed to lead.

The state forwarded the findings to federal officials.

Copyright 2008 Associated Press. All rights reserved.

Unfortunately, in light of the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation's disregard for the public's welfare and demands, I don't foresee Commissioner Benepe putting a moratorium on artificial turf installation or tree removals any time soon.

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