Federal advisory raises questions on turf fields

Michael Amon

Jun. 22, 2008 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Adding fuel to the controversy over synthetic turf, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended older, worn-down playing fields made of nylon should be tested for lead.

The advisory released Thursday is unlikely to have a direct impact on Long Island, which is not believed to have any aging nylon turf fields. But to critics, it raises further questions about the artificial turf found on Long Island -- polyethylene surfaces cushioned with tiny pieces of recycled rubber tires, or "crumb rubber."

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency began investigating the toxicity of such fields last month, and two state agencies and the Town of Oyster Bay have undertaken their own studies.

"It's all part of the same set of concerns," said Assemb. Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) of nylon and crumb rubber fields. He has proposed a moratorium on building synthetic fields. "There are concerns that we should address before we just plunge ahead with large investments when there are uncertainties regarding the impact on our children's health."

The CDC's recommendation was based on testing of New Jersey playing fields showing "levels of lead that pose a potential public health concern." The advisory applies only to nylon or nylon-blended fields "that are old, that are used frequently, and that are exposed to the weather." It states, "As the turf ages and weathers, lead is released in dust that could then be ingested or inhaled, and the risk for harmful exposure increases."

Turf filled with crumb rubber -- found on Long Island soccer, field hockey and lacrosse fields and valued for its durability and ease of maintenance -- is not typically made of nylon.

But there are concerns that rubber components such as lead, zinc and arsenic could taint groundwater or be inhaled by players as vaporized gas.

The turf industry has cited European studies showing crumb rubber poses no health risk. Industry officials could not be reached yesterday.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation and the Department of Health are studying crumb-rubber turf but have yet come to conclusions.

In Oyster Bay, where there are seven crumb-rubber fields, the town hired a consultant to study the safety and will make a decision on new fields after the Fourth of July, said Supervisor John Venditto. "We don't know if the problem is real or imagined," he said.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0134-26150209