Excessive Amounts of Lead Found in Turf and Other Products

June 2008

Turf, carpets, and other products have been found to pose risks of lead poisoning. Reports by the Center for Environmental Health have shown that excessive amounts of lead are present in various brands of artificial turf, indoor/outdoor carpeting, artificial lawns and playground grass made with nylon and polyethylene.

The center tested about 50 products, and 15 were found to contain excessive levels of lead, which means the quantity of lead surpassed 600 parts per million. As a result, the center issued warnings to some of the manufacturers and sellers of these products, including AstroTurf, Ace Hardware, and Lowe's, stating that it will sue if they do not recall or reformulate their products.

There are approximately 3,500 artificial playing surfaces in the United States. About 800 new surfaces are installed at schools, parks, and stadiums each year. Exposure to lead can cause brain damage and other severe illnesses, especially in children.