In New Jersey, Lead Found in Artificial Turfs

During a routine inspection in New Jersey, toxic levels of lead were found on athletic fields. The fields artificial turf and the turfs 'dust' was found to contain lead levels that could be hazardous. Lead exposure poses a dangerous risk to children and can cause lifelong illness and even death. This new finding is fueling a nationwide investigation into the safety of athletic fields.

Lead poisoning has become widely investigated in the U.S. in recent years, most recently reported in many plastic drinking bottles. Now, with lead levels found in athletic fields, parents have a new concern for the safely of their children. The risk of lead poisoning and illness increases with children who may already be exposed to lead at home.

According to the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, during a routine inspection, toxic levels of lead were found in a local athletic field. Turf composed of nylon or nylon/polyethylene blend fibers contains levels of lead that pose a threat and a potential public health concern. Aged and weathered turfs create a dust residue. This dust, when released into the air can be ingested and inhaled increasing the medical risk. Though newer turf installations contain very low levels of lead, field layered with older turf can contain toxic levels of the poisonous substance.

Federal and state agencies are urging parents and officials involved in athletic fields to take precautions. Increasing funding to replace older turfs that may contain lead is first recommended. However, other measures can be taken to provide precautions with the original turf in place. Individuals should be urged to wash their hands and body with soap and warm water, for 30 seconds after exposure to the turf. TO protect further contamination from dust, clothes that were worn should be turned inside out and washed as soon as possible. If the individual will be sitting on any fabric, cloth should be sat down first to avoid absorption. Eating or drinking while on the field or immediate after should be discouraged to also control dust contamination.

If exposures do occur, it is not yet known how much lead the body will absorb, but if enough lead is absorbed, it can cause neurological development problems such as an IQ deficit. Most absorbed lead exposure is stored in the bones for children. At high levels, lead can cause brain disease and even death. Lead poisoning affects almost all organ systems in the body. Any child living in a house or apartment containing lead-based paint may be at risk for lead poisoning. Children between the ages of 2-3 are more likely to be exposed to lead because of their hand to mouth activities.

Parents can find out more about lead poisoning at the CDC website.

The NJ Health Department is asking the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission to investigate this potential problem. To date, zero case of high levels in children's blood have been tied to artificial turf.