It’s become a local turf war. Artificial turf creators say it’s safe. Local mayors agree. But Rutherford, Lyndhurst and East Rutherford residents whose children will be playing on artificial grass this spring are questioning how safe it is after the state found three artificial turf fields that had lead levels 8 to 10 times above state standards.
Artificial turf makers use either nylon or polyethylene or a mixture of the two. All three that tested high in lead were nylon, said Marilyn Reilly, Department of Health and Senior Services spokesperson. Ten others were polyethylene and tested very low levels of lead or none at all. Area artificial turf fields are Tryon Field in Rutherford and Riggin and McKenzie in East Rutherford. Lyndhurst is in the process of installing two fields on Valley Brook Avenue and the high school. All of those fields are polyethylene.
Dr. Eddy Bresnitz, deputy commissioner of the state public health services, said the state conducted a sampling of 12 artificial turf fields in the state after an investigation into a contaminated property in Newark concluded that high levels of lead originated from a nearby artificial recreational field. The field was closed. Newark officials plan to replace the turf with another synthetic turf material in the fall. In March, the state conducted a random test of 12 fields, using grass snippings and dust, and found two that were higher in lead than the state’s residential soil standard for cleanup of contaminated properties. The two fields, in Hoboken and Ewing, were closed down last week.
The Synthetic Turf Council said that the pigment in the fibers of the grass contain lead chromate, but says it contains no health threat. "There is no evidence that there is a health risk. Even if the compound were ingested, it is very difficult for the compound to be absorbed by the body," said Shira Miller, Council spokesperson.
The state is currently testing the absorption rate of lead from artificial turf. Bresnitz said the state is expected to get results back in May. For now Bresnitz suggests towns with artificial turf find out whether they have nylon or polyethylene.
"It’s the nylon turf that seems to attract lead dust when it’s processed for use. The poly turf does not [attract lead dust] and does not pose a risk," said Rutherford Mayor John Hipp, convinced his town’s turf is safe. "However, I want to confirm that our field does not pose a risk."
As a precaution, Bresnitz suggested towns with nylon fields implement measures such as dust suppression with wetting the fields down throughout the day and aggressive hand and body washing after playing on the field.
Reilly said that the lead test consisting of a snipping and dust sample costs about $50.
East Rutherford Mayor James Cassella said the company that manufactures the turf used at Riggins Field has done testing and found no health-related issues.
Cassella also said that if there were problems with the turf, there would be problems in "all your homes" because "this product is the same product used in your carpets."
Where fields are in the process of being laid, Bresnitz said the material could be tested prior to installation. In Lyndhurst where two artificial fields are currently being installed, Mayor Richard DiLascio said the town has been assured the composition of the turf is safe. Town and school officials also attended a seminar on field turf safety. The Trump Organization, which is installing the field off Valley Brook Avenue, did not respond to e-mails.
