Journal article
Evaluating and regulating lead in synthetic turf
Environmental health perspectives, v 118(10), pp 1345-1349
Oct 2010
PMID: 20884393
Featured in Collection : UN Sustainable Development Goals @ Drexel
Abstract
In 2007, a synthetic turf recreational field in Newark, New Jersey, was closed because lead was found in synthetic turf fibers and in surface dust at concentrations exceeding hazard criteria. Consequently, public health professionals across the country began testing synthetic turf to determine whether it represented a lead hazard. Currently, no standardized methods exist to test for lead in synthetic turf or to assess lead hazards.
Our objectives were to increase awareness of potential lead exposure from synthetic turf by presenting data showing elevated lead in fibers and turf-derived dust; identify risk assessment uncertainties; recommend that federal and/or state agencies determine appropriate methodologies for assessing lead in synthetic turf; and recommend an interim standardized approach for sampling, interpreting results, and taking health-protective actions.
Data collected from recreational fields and child care centers indicate lead in synthetic turf fibers and dust at concentrations exceeding the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 statutory lead limit of 300 mg/kg for consumer products intended for use by children, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's lead-dust hazard standard of 40 µg/ft² for floors.
Synthetic turf can deteriorate to form dust containing lead at levels that may pose a risk to children. Given elevated lead levels in turf and dust on recreational fields and in child care settings, it is imperative that a consistent, nationwide approach for sampling, assessment, and action be developed. In the absence of a standardized approach, we offer an interim approach to assess potential lead hazards when evaluating synthetic turf.
Metrics
Details
- Title
- Evaluating and regulating lead in synthetic turf
- Creators
- Gregory Van Ulirsch - Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease RegistryKevin Gleason - New York State Department of HealthShawn Gerstenberger - University of Nevada, Las VegasDaphne B MoffettGlenn Pulliam - New Jersey Department of HealthTariq Ahmed - New Jersey Department of HealthJerald Fagliano - New Jersey Department of Health
- Publication Details
- Environmental health perspectives, v 118(10), pp 1345-1349
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Environmental and Occupational Health
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000282376900022
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-77957892415
- Other Identifier
- 991021871449404721
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- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Environmental Sciences
- Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
- Toxicology