An Evaluation of Potential Exposures to Lead and Other Metals as the Result of Aerosolized Particulate Matter from Artificial Turf Playing Fields: Research Project Summary
Date
2011-08
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Publisher
Trenton, N.J. : New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Office of Science
Abstract
In response to numerous community concerns starting in 2008 regarding the safety of artificial turf fields, the New
Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) funded a study by the Environmental and Occupational
Health Sciences Institute (EOHSI) to measure lead (Pb) concentrations in wipe samples and in air at artificial turf
fields. Sampling was conducted at five fields in New Jersey using an autonomous, programmable robot that
agitated the turf surface and collected air samples above the turf in the breathing zone of a child. Other potentially
toxic metals were also measured including chromium, cadmium and arsenic. Although considerable efforts were
made to gain access to more fields, schools and community facilities were reluctant to participate. Pb was
significantly elevated at one of the five fields. Although the measured levels of Pb at this field did not approach
standards for protection of health, the small number of fields sampled makes it difficult to generalize the conclusions of this study to other artificial turf fields. On the basis of these results, it is recommended that artificial turf
fields, particularly those older than three years, be screened for Pb using wipe sampling. If wipe samples show
elevated levels of Pb, more intensive sampling of air with agitation of the turf is recommended.
Description
Keywords
New Jersey, Artificial turf, Synthetic sporting surfaces