CPSC validates synthetic turf safety
19 Aug, 2008 By: Rick Doyle, Synthetic Turf Council Athletic Turf NewsThe verdict we have all been waiting for is in: On July 30, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced that synthetic turf fields are safe to install and play on for children and people of all ages. Although their evaluation found no harmful lead levels, the Synthetic Turf Council (STC) immediately responded by announcing our own proactive, voluntary reduction standards.
As you’ve probably read, the CPSC began its evaluation of synthetic turf following the discovery of elevated lead levels in several New Jersey fields in April. The federal agency’s evaluation of old and newer synthetic turf fields concluded that “young children are not at risk from exposure to lead in these fields.” Their findings also indicated that newer fields had no lead, or generally had the lowest lead levels. Although small amounts of lead were detected on the surface of some older fields, none of these tested fields released amounts of lead that would be harmful to children.
In its evaluation, the CPSC considered that particles on a child’s hand transferred to his or her mouth would be the most likely route of exposure, and determined young children would not be at risk. Read the full statement here.
STC’s Voluntary Commitment
Our industry has worked hard to remove lead from more than 90% of pigments used to color synthetic turf. Now, the STC plans to reduce lead levels in the remaining 10% of all colored fibers that still require lead chromate to meet the consumer’s demand for long-term colorfastness. The association voluntarily agreed to reduce lead levels in accordance with the proposed Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, and to the same strict standards Congress is likely to impose on the children’s toy industry.
The STC plans to comply with the revised lead restrictions currently proposed for children’s products in H.R. 4040. Specifically, the level of lead will be reduced in all pigments used to color synthetic turf to 300 parts per million (ppm) or less by no later than Jan. 1, 2010, and to 100 ppm or less by no later than Jan. 1, 2012.
Moving forward, the well-being of the public using synthetic turf fields remains our top priority. The STC will continue to review science, share information with other government bodies about synthetic turf and remain accessible to any questions to ensure that users enjoy peace of mind.
Other Reports on Safety
In May, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene released a fact sheet linking to a 180-page review and assessment of available research and scientific knowledge by an independent environmental and engineering consulting firm attesting to the safety of crumb rubber infilled synthetic turf.
In July, the State of New York’s Department of Health issued a fact sheet on synthetic turf addressing similar health and safety considerations as the New York City report, including injury, infection, latex allergy, chemical exposure and heat stress.
Also in July, the Rubber Manufacturers Association published an excellent and comprehensive “Review of the Human Health & Ecological Safety of Exposure to Recycled Tire Rubber found at Playgrounds and Synthetic Turf Fields,” conducted by an independent environmental consulting organization. The review looked at studies from both advocates and opponents to the use of ground rubber, and concluded that “no adverse human health or ecological health effects are likely to result from these beneficial reuses of tire materials.”
These documents, plus numerous independent and current research, technical papers, government and regulatory agency position statements can also be found at www.syntheticturfcouncil.org.
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