Brown Creates Nation’s First Enforceable Lead Standards for Artificial Turf Grass Yarns
OAKLAND-Fighting to ensure the safety of children’s playgrounds and ball fields, Attorney General Edmund G. Brown Jr. today signed off on an agreement requiring Georgia-based AstroTurf, LLC, [Crystal Products Co., Inc. d/b/a SYNLawn, UGTH Equipment, LLC, General Sports Venue, LLC, and Synthetic Turf Resources, LLC (“Settling Defendants”), among the Defendants named in the complaint,] to virtually eliminate lead from its artificial grass, creating the country’s first enforceable lead standards for artificial turf products.
“As schools and daycare centers replace grass with artificial turf, extreme care must be taken to minimize lead exposure,” Brown said. “This agreement is the first of its kind and will help make playgrounds and ball fields safe for our children.”
In 2008, Brown filed suit against AstroTurf, Crystal Products, and SynLawn for excessive lead levels after testing by the Center for Environmental Health (CEH) found high levels in artificial turf products. Brown’s office independently tested AstroTurf and other artificial turf products and confirmed CEH’s findings. AstroTurf immediately took steps to begin reformulating its products.
Today’s consent judgment requires AstroTurf to reformulate its products so that they contain less than 100 parts per million (ppm), and to further reduce lead levels to 50 ppm by June 2010. Lab results found that some AstroTurf products contained more than 5,000 ppm lead. Lead was added to keep the colors vibrant over time. AstroTurf will be prohibited from selling any existing stock that doesn’t meet these standards.
AstroTurf will also provide a grant of $60,000 to the Public Health Trust to fund “wipe testing” of dislodgeable lead on artificial turf fields at daycare centers, schools and public playing fields in California. If the level of dislodgeable lead exceeds the specified replacement level, AstroTurf will provide replacement turf to the daycare center, school or public field at no cost.
AstroTurf will also provide a mailed warning to all customers who purchased its products in California in the past five years. The warning will (1) inform customers that the turf products contain lead; (2) explain “good maintenance practices” that can effectively reduce exposures to lead; and (3) advise the customers of the availability of the program to test and replace old turf products. AstroTurf will also establish a website to provide information to the public on lead content in its products.
The Los Angeles City Attorney and Solano County District Attorney joined Brown in the case against AstroTurf. In addition to its obligation to replace products that exceed acceptable lead levels, the company will pay $170,000 in civil penalties, grants and attorney fees.
“Today’s agreement with AstroTurf sets a strong standard for other companies who have not yet agreed to eliminate lead risks to children from turf,” said CEH Executive Director Michael Green. “Lead is a stunningly toxic chemical that has no place in playing fields for children. We applaud the Attorney General, the LA City Attorney, the Solano County DA and AstroTurf for this accord to protect California’s children.”
For More Information Please Contact Calif AG’s office at:
(916) 324-5500Download a copy of the PROP 65 Consent Judgment HERE
ASGi – Google Update on Synthetic Turf Projects
Tecumseh football field on track for completion
Tecumseh Herald – Tecumseh,MI,USA
The posted schedule on the TPS website lists July 1 as the completion date
for the artificial turf’s installation. The synthetic turf’s carpet and
rubber …
<http://www.tecumsehherald.com/node/2070>
New York sports fields get a makeover
GovPro Media – Cleveland,OH,USA
Eleven athletic fields on New York City’s Randall’s Island have been
rebuilt with synthetic turf. The project, which covers 1.1 million square
feet, …
<http://govpro.com/grounds_landscaping/content/Synthetic_turf_0715/>
Nullarbor Synthetic Turf Golf Course Almost Done
West Coast Sentinel – Ceduna,South Australia,Australia
The contractors, Synthetic Turf Products, began laying the tees and greens
in Norseman, Western Australia. The team is now working its way across the
…
<http://www.westcoastsentinel.com.au/news/local/news/business/nullarbor-golf-course-almost-done/1568685.aspx>
Bare Lucchesi Artificial Turf Grass Sports Field ready for New Surfaces
Santa Rosa Press Democrat – Santa Rosa,CA,USA
The new turf is the most up-to-date synthetic surface available and will
feature inlaid lines for both soccer and lacrosse games.
<http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20090715/COMMUNITY/907159966?Title=Bare-Lucchesi-Field-ready-for-new-synthetic-turf>
New Synthetic Turf Field and Track Renovations at PHS, Muir going well
Pasadena Star-News – Pasadena,CA,USA
There was a “ho-hum” attitude among coaches at both schools despite plans
in place for each school to receive a new synthetic turf field and track
and that …
<http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/sports/ci_12838501>
Artificial turf is catching on across the region
Artifical Turf Market
Artifical Turf Market
As reported in the Sacramento BEE
“It’s like heaven out here,” says John Gallagher, the athletic director at Center High School.
Gallagher watches every day as construction winds down on a new $15 million stadium project on the Antelope campus.
The facility, scheduled to debut Oct. 2 when the Cougars play Rio Linda, will feature an artificial turf field, an eight-lane all-weather track, new lighting, bleachers to seat more than 3,000, restrooms and concession stands – all on the site where the school’s former, more austere stadium once stood.
USA Tax REBATES for Fuel Guzzling Cars & Trucks
ASGi UPDATE:
A controversial auto bill that would reward consumers with tax credits for trading in their old cars and buying more-fuel-efficient ones passed the House on Tuesday, inching closer to becoming law.
The “cash for clunkers” proposal, which would give consumers a tax credit of up to $4,500 for switching from their gas guzzlers, … Continue reading »
Two Cities Spurn Use of Crumb Rubber Infill
Quality crumb rubber infill is a viable and inexpensive solution to provide GMAX on an athletic sports field – You can purchase quality recycled rubber bark and crumb rubber infill from ASGi Affiliate Member – Golden Scrap Tire. No study published – to date – has shown a tie-in to any type of risk with the use of crumb rubber from recycled tires -
ALTERNATIVE INFILL SOLUTIONS
ASGI, Affiliate members, TenCate, GeoSafePlay and SuperFILL offer solutions – and handful of other firms produce alternatives to crumb rubber, as well.
Artificial Grass – Synthetic Turf Sports Field Infill Study by EPA Due Out Soon
SAN FRANCISCO – The federal government is reconsidering whether sports fields and playgrounds made from ground-up tires could harm children’s health after some Environmental Protection Agency scientists raised concerns, documents show.
The EPA is concluding a limited study of air and surface samples at four fake-surface fields and playgrounds that use recycled tires — the same material used under the Obama family’s new play set at the White House.
Although the EPA for years has endorsed recycled-rubber surfaces as a means of decreasing playground injuries, its own scientists now have pointed to research suggesting potential hazards from repeated exposure to bits of shredded tire that can contain carcinogens and other chemicals, according to internal EPA documents.
The scientists cited gaps in scientific evidence, despite other reviews showing little or no health concern, and urged their superiors to conduct a broad health study to inform parents on kids’ safety.
Results from the agency’s limited study, which began last year, are expected within weeks.
“From everything I’ve been able to see, I’m not sure there’s an imminent hazard but it’s something we’re investigating,” said Michael Firestone, EPA’s head of children’s health protection. “It’s critical to take a look at all the data together.”
The government hasn’t decided whether broader testing is necessary.
Easy on the bones, great for recycling
Synthetic sports surfaces are easy on the bones and great for recycling, increasingly popular for their resiliency and for their weatherproof, low-maintenance qualities. But communities from New Jersey to Oregon have raised concerns about children touching, swallowing or inhaling lead, metals and chemicals like benzene, zinc and breathable particles from synthetic fields and play yards.
Last week, New York state officials said they found no significant health or environmental concerns in a study of leaching and breathable air above sports fields with so-called tire crumb, tiny rubber infill pellets that help anchor the synthetic grass blades. Other local studies have reached similar conclusions, examining artificial grass or tire crumb. Several have recommended additional research.
“If they really find it’s something toxic, I would be concerned,” said Alejandro Arroyo, a teacher watching his high school students from June Jordan School for Equity play soccer at San Francisco’s Crocker Amazon Park. The scent of tire rubber wafted over the busy, five-field complex as a dozen third-graders flopped onto artificial turf infused with gravel-sized, black rubber.
“We practice here, we eat lunch here,” Arroyo said. “Everybody does that. It’s a family park.”
Scrap tire mulch cushions the ground under the Obamas’ new play set at the White House. It was recommended by the National Recreation and Park Association, which relies on the industry’s safety assurances and recommendations by the Consumer Product Safety Commission for cushioning the impact of falls, said Richard Dolesh, public policy officer for the park association.
But New York City officials say their new sports fields no longer will use tire crumbs. Connecticut asked the EPA to study the matter shortly after the EPA’s Denver regional office recommended the same.
‘Nobody has the evidence’
The EPA memo was sent to Washington from the Denver office in January 2008, saying that until more was known, the EPA should take a neutral stance instead of sanctioning recycled tires for play areas. The documents, obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, were provided to The Associated Press by the Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, an advocacy group that objects to the EPA’s endorsement of using recycled tires without a broad scientific risk evaluation.
“It appears that there are valid reasons to take a broader perspective of all potential risks associated with crumb rubber” through a full-blown health study, said the memo from Assistant Regional Administrator Stephen Tuber.
Withdrawing the EPA’s endorsement would be premature, EPA spokesman Dale Kemery said.
“Nobody has the evidence at this point” to scientifically justify pulling back, he said.
The agency’s limited study won’t be definitive either, but along with studies in New Jersey, California, Connecticut and New York could help determine whether more research is needed.
The Synthetic Turf Council, an advocacy trade group, says laboratory-based claims of toxicity don’t reflect actual conditions.
“The science is clear that synthetic turf crumb rubber infill fields do not present a human health or environmental risk,” said Rick Doyle, president of the group.
Older fields may be riskier
The Consumer Product Safety Commission concluded last summer that synthetic fields pose no lead hazard for kids. It tested turf fibers for lead at a handful of fields. It did not examine chemicals in tire crumbs interspersed with the turf, or playgrounds where children handle mulch made from shredded tires.
A health advisory from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said older fields may be riskier for lead as wear kicks up turf dust. Not all turf fibers contain lead. The CDC urges eliminating all nonessential uses of lead, which can cause neurological damage in children.
Chemicals in recycled tires could vary by location because tire manufacturers differ, EPA scientists said.
Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., who had criticized the CPSC’s effort and pressed the EPA for a comprehensive investigation, welcomed the environmental agency’s role.
“This is not about creating panic among parents or calling for the closure of fields made from synthetic turf,” she said in an e-mail. But people “need accurate answers about the safety and health effects of these fields to make the best possible decisions about where children and others are playing.”
“More Study Required” States EPA Regarding Artificial Grass & Synethic Turf Crumb Rubber Infill Materials Safety
Considering the differing posture of the New York State DEC/DOH Study and the stories in the media regarding the study due out of the offices of the EPA – I thought I’d remind you of what is at the fingertips of all * ASGi Members *
… iNSiDE ASGi – your industry Archive Library
Browse gigabytes worth of information online that we have gathered over the past 2 years of the reports, presentations and info regarding recycled crumb rubber infill, heavy metal testing, lead and other topics. The library has studies from 1991 to 2009, European, USA, Canada, China and many of the reports done by 3rd parties and states, along with CPSC, CDC, EHHI, Albany, Penn State, etc …
There are INDEX Pages with lists of reports – and PORTAL Pages with access to Index pages and outside links and resources … iNSiDE ASGi is a searchable Portal – use keywords to find what you are looking for – page results may include posts, portals or indexes … browse at your own pace …
If something isn’t loaded – email me, I probably haven’t posted it yet or can locate a copy for your use… Use the following links to navigate major portal and index pages. [ these portal and index page links are also available on your home page]
===== Portals & Index Links
iNSiDE ASGi Archives PORTAL PAGE link:
[http://www.asgi.us/insideasgi/]
This page requires that you login – twice …
Use keywords to find subject matter
[http://www.asgi.us/insideasgi/]
MISC REPORTS FROM 1991 TO 2009 – [http://www.asgi.us/insideasgi/inside_asgi_archives_09.htm]
An INDEX Page to most quoted industry and 3rd party reports regarding health and safety - go here: (you have to login twice) (let me know if a link is broken)
[http://www.asgi.us/insideasgi/inside_asgi_archives_09.htm]
EPA – holistic study, reviewing air and water quality issues – anticipated pub date within 30-60 days [portal page not currently avail] – no current regulation or rule on artificial grass — synthetic turf; current lead limit in playground soil = 400ppm.
ASTM – [http://www.asgi.us/astm]
This portal has all the latest on the upcoming ASTM voluntary standard for lead (Pb) in artificial grass-synthetic turf fibers; the new standard will include a companion standard specifying the relevant and appropriate testing required to show total lead content in yarn fibers. Anticipated pub date: 30-60 days. Current thinking is that the ASTM standard will mirror the CPSIA lead (Pb) reduction schedule for children’s products and will begin with an acceptable lead (Pb) level of 300ppm – reducing this to 100ppm, as per the CPSIA schedule by August 14, 2010. [http://www.asgi.us/astm]
PROP 65 – [http://www.asgi.us/prop65/pdfs/]
lawsuits are still pending – no settlement info as yet; Products containing heavy metals or any other material listed under Prop65 should label materials with warnings, update your MSDS to properly reflect PROP65 info, where relevant.
“Prop65 & the Artificial Turf Market” guide is available here: http://www.asgi.us/prop65 which includes access to this portal & info [http://www.asgi.us/prop65/pdfs/]
CPSC – [http://www.asgi.us/cpsc]
Domestic manufacturers and US Importers are now required to provide a General Certificate of Conformity (GCC) for each shipment of any product that is banned, regulated, restricted or has a rule regarding its use for consumer or children’s products under the jurisdiction of the CPSC (including FHSA, PPA, CPSIA, ETC) – THIS IS IN ADDITION TO MSDS SHEETS.
The GCC is specific to the products shipped per purchase order (PO) or invoice – you can provide access to this information to the CPSC and your customer, ONLINE – within 24 hours of shipment. US Importers MUST provide access to this information 48 hours prior to shipment of materials into USA.
Test samples do not require a GCC. All testing of materials should be completed in the USA with a certified NELAP lab – CPSC 3rd Party testing is NOT required (a “stay” was granted and will be reviewed for Feb 2010) – you can test your products individually or under a testing “program” – manufacturers, by using the GCC, self-certify that their products comply and can reference tests completed by themselves or those of component manufacturers, in the supply chain. ALL components of the products must be tested (id: various colors, styles, resin)
CPSIA & GCC
See further info here: (GCC Samples, and video regarding CPSIA & GCC are posted here): [http://www.asgi.us/cpsc]
We are also pleased that traffic at Get-The-Lead-Out.Org is increasing – the rather “in your face” vanity URL seems to be pulling in a higher number of visitors – the important point to take away is that folks are seeing various products, crumb rubber and artificial grass state and show that they “meet and exceed” standards – helping to REBUILD CONFIDENCE in our market – [http://www.get-the-lead-out.org]
Green Building Council – USGBC [http://www.asgi.us/usgbc/]
Our portal covers the basics – the USGBC website is awesome for more details, especially about LEEDs programs – JOIN – its ~FREE~!!!!!
[http://www.asgi.us/usgbc/] – USGBC website link is on the portal page
Please let me know if you have any specific questions or requests.
All the best
Annie
PS: Remember to check out MarketPartners – MarketPlace for fantastic tools, equipment and suppliers of great GREEN materials and supplies (infill, fabrics, glues, grooming supplies, etc) [http://www.asgi.us/online/affil_pgs]
ALSO: great test labs, product safety specialists, OSHA training solutions, services for referrals, public relations, legal and acct advice:
[http://www.asgi.us/online/affil_pgs]
San Carlos City Council to Consider Synthetic Turf Sports Field – Meeting on May 11, 2009
TO NORTHERN CALIF MEMBERS and Locals in the San Carlos, Northern California area:
Make your voice heard at the City Council meeting Monday, May 11, at the San Carlos Library 2nd floor, 610 Elm Street, San Carlos at 7:00 PM.
City plans to invest in increasing the available fields of the city to accomodate growing demands for sport field space require your support and voice! Our kids need space to play!!! Synthetic turf fields, using safe and effective technology and professionally install provide that – second to none!!! Instead of 100 to 250 events – artificial turf fields can provide over 1000 per year!!!
Naysayers – confused by mis-representations of information regarding the safety and effectiveness of artificial turf – don’t want this project to be approved. They are taking “sound bytes” from recent CBS channel 5 news (May 7, 2009) and creating a mis-information campaign to deep-six this project.
The local community could use your support! ASGi Members – if you need supportive reports or studies – please review iNSiDE ASGi - our archive library for more details.
Contact San Carlos City Council Members and
let them know what you think. Encourage your friends, too:
- Mayor Bob Grassilli bgrassilli@cityofsancarlos.org
- Randy Royce rroyce@cityofsancarlos.org
- Matt Grocott mgrocott@cityofsancarlos.org
- Omar Ahmad oahmad@cityofsancarlos.org
- Brad Lewis blewis@cityofsancarlos.org
- Parks & Rec Director Doug Long dlong@cityofsancarlos.org
- Planning Manager Deborah Nelson dnelson@cityofsancarlos.org
April is Safe Digging Month
The Pipeline Association for Public Awareness has just published a fantastic guide that can help YOU AVOID dangerous situations while excavating on your job sites!
Reminders:
Before YOU DIG:Call – 811 – a National local One Call System that can help you schedule an inspection and marketing crew to come to your site – it’s FREE
Allow the required timeframe – 24 to 72 hours!
Respect the marks and pothole or hand dig to determine exact locations of any pipelines
With the addition of outdoor kitchens, firepits, etc – many of us may experience the use (or misuse) of gas and electric installed underground!
Don’t Risk a Mishap – get free copies of this fantastic guide by requesting it from the following website! (while supplies last)
http://www.pipelineawareness.org
For more information about the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) visit http://www.call811.com
