For immediate releasecontact Gene J. Evans, (503) 947-5737 August 28, 2008 State Public Health Division's Recommendations on Lead & Artificial Turf Fields This memo was sent to all public schools on behalf of the Oregon Public Health Division, and it includes the interim recommendations from state public health officials on the safety of artificial turf fields across the state. Questions should be directed to the Office of Environmental Public Health at (971) 673-0440. DATE: Aug. 28, 2008 FROM: Oregon Public Health Division TO: Owners and operators of artificial turf fields SUBJECT: Lead in Artificial Turf This purpose of this memo is to update organizations of the Public Health Division’s interim recommendations regarding artificial turf fields. The Office of Environmental Public Health’s (OEPH) Toxicology Consulting Service (TOCs) unit has reviewed the recently released findings of the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) regarding the presence of lead in artificial turf. Tests conducted by the CPSC found that synthetic grass containing lead will not result in unsafe exposures levels to school-age children because the lead does not readily dislodge and become accessible to people. The CPSC tested 14 turf products ranging from 0.09 percent to 0.96 percent lead and 0 to 9 years old. TOCs concluded that because of the limited data available that there were still some important uncertainties regarding health risks from very old or worn fields containing high concentrations of lead. Old or worn fields have not yet been adequately tested. Preliminary data suggest that the amount of lead that dislodges from synthetic grass is higher for older, more worn fields. The following recommendation should be considered interim, until further data is available: 1. It is recommended that a lab accredited by the Oregon Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (ORELAP) be used for any testing of materials and that bulk samples be tested using the acid digestion method A list of ORELAP accredited labs with specialties in solids and chemicals and inorganic chemistry can be found at: http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/ph/orelap/docs/acclab.pdf 2. Artificial turf containing up to 0.5% lead (based on bulk tested acid digested samples) that is in good condition can be considered safe for continued use. 3. Turf products with higher amounts of lead or greater than 10 years old or showing signs of extensive wear may warrant additional measures to ensure safety. 4. Such measures could include : a. testing annually for lead accessibility via the CPSC wipe sample method to ensure safe exposure levels, b. replacing the field with a lead-free product or c. managing the field to reduce exposure risks by various means including dust suppression, requiring people to wash after use and prohibiting eating and drinking while on turf.
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