High lead levels found on artificial turf
The state health department yesterday called for a federal investigation after testing revealed high lead levels in some artificial turf used for athletic fields.
The lead levels at Frank Sinatra Park in Hoboken and The College of New Jersey’s Lion’s Stadium Field in Ewing were up to 10 times higher than what is considered safe. They were closed, according to the Star-Ledger. (The Associated Press has Lion’s Stadium Field remaining open yesterday.)
Elevated lead levels also had been found at the Ironbound Athletic Field in Newark, which has since been demolished, according to city officials.
Jeff Tittel, executive director of the New Jersey Sierra Club, said his organization has been fighting the use of public money for artificial turf fields for the past six years.
He said the original belief that turf might be a better environmental choice than grass because it doesn’t require fertilizer or water gave way to concerns over the chemicals it’s made of.
Update: The College of New Jersey did indeed close its field. The school is now looking for another place to hold commencement.
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