Nearly a half-dozen artificial fields in New York and New Jersey a decade old or more have been closed after samples from the fields showed high levels of lead in the turf fibers.
Though the turf made with only polyethylene fibers showed very low levels of lead, the CDC says it is specifically concerned about older artificial turf made of nylon or nylon/polyethylene blend fibers. As the turf gets worn out by years of playing, lead is released in the form of dust that could then be ingested or inhaled, and the risk for harmful exposure increases.
Following the alert, the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has asked the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to investigate this potential problem. The CDC and ATSDR are currently waiting for information from the CPSC to help guide future public health recommendations and actions.
However, the CDC did not recommend testing artificial turf fields made from polyethylene or nylon fields that are not visibly worn. The federal agency added that the risk for harmful lead exposure from new fields is relatively low because the turf fibers are still intact.
Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that anyone who believes they may have been exposed to hazardous levels of lead should consult with their physician. Children under age 6 are most at risk from exposure to lead as they absorb lead more easily.
The effects of lead exposure can cause developmental delay and behavioral problems.
