title: Evaluating and regulating lead in synthetic turf.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In 2007, a synthetic turf recreational field in Newark, New Jersey, was closed because lead was found in synthetic turf fibers and in surface dust at concentrations exceeding hazard criteria. Consequently, public health professionals across the country began testing synthetic turf to determine whether it represented a lead hazard. Currently, no standardized methods exist to test for lead in synthetic turf or to assess lead hazards.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Our objectives were to increase awareness of potential lead exposure from synthetic turf by presenting data showing elevated lead in fibers and turf-derived dust; identify risk assessment uncertainties; recommend that federal and/or state agencies determine appropriate methodologies for assessing lead in synthetic turf; and recommend an interim standardized approach for sampling, interpreting results, and taking health-protective actions.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Data collected from recreational fields and child care centers indicate lead in synthetic turf fibers and dust at concentrations exceeding the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008 statutory lead limit of 300 mg/kg for consumer products intended for use by children, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's lead-dust hazard standard of 40 µg/ft² for floors.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Synthetic turf can deteriorate to form dust containing lead at levels that may pose a risk to children. Given elevated lead levels in turf and dust on recreational fields and in child care settings, it is imperative that a consistent, nationwide approach for sampling, assessment, and action be developed. In the absence of a standardized approach, we offer an interim approach to assess potential lead hazards when evaluating synthetic turf.
authors.affiliation: Division of Health Assessment and Consultation, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, Georgia 30341-3717 , USA. gulirsch@cdc.gov
authors.forename: Gregory
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Van Ulirsch
authors.forename: Kevin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gleason
authors.forename: Shawn
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Gerstenberger
authors.forename: Daphne B
authors.initials: DB
authors.lastname: Moffett
authors.forename: Glenn
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pulliam
authors.forename: Tariq
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ahmed
authors.forename: Jerald
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fagliano
mesh_terms: D007854:Lead / Q000032:analysis*; D015980:Public Health Practice; D012989:Soil Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D012989:Soil Pollutants; D007854:Lead