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MY WORD - 08/06/2008
(by Holly Stewart - OpEd Columnist - August 06, 2008)
Turfing USA
For the first time in history, every human being is now subjected to contact with dangerous chemicals, from the moment of conception until death. – Rachel Carson
Like stubborn crabgrass, the controversy surrounding the use of artificial turf on athletic playing fields and playgrounds has returned yet again. In June, the New Jersey State Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) issued test results that indicated high levels of lead in some turf surfaces, especially those made with nylon fibers. Deputy DHHS Commissioner Dr. Eddy Bresnitz wrote a letter to the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission asking it to investigate further in order to determine how safe it is for young people to play on such surfaces.
Children are exceptionally prone to the adverse effects of lead in the bloodstream. It is known to cause neurological impairment and brain damage. Those already exposed to heavy metals in their environment – perhaps due to the presence of lead-based paint in their homes, for example – may be even more susceptible to developing lead-related health problems.
As a result of this announcement, several school districts in North Jersey did their own tests on artificial playing surfaces, found elevated levels of lead, and closed access to the fields immediately. Northern Valley and Ramapo Indian Hills are among those still waiting to reopen these surfaces for use. Closer to home, Butler school officials have decided to include a question about converting grass-covered Memorial Field to an artificial surface in a three-part referendum vote scheduled to take place in the borough on Sept. 30.
Three years ago, Kinnelon voters rejected a similar measure to change Fred Morse Field from sod to artificial turf. Even though that project was expected to cost taxpayers less than $10 per $400,000 annual assessment on their properties, it was not a popular idea. Instead, the sod is now being upgraded and a new irrigation system is being installed. The old sod and sprinklers are being moved to an adjacent practice field. Stressing the need to stay off the playing surface, officials expect the field to be ready for the first home football game on Sept. 20.
So why go to artificial turf in the first place, especially when the initial cost is so much higher? The main reason is that maintenance costs are much smaller with turf. You don’t have to water it or cut it – just clean it once in a while to prevent fungus and bacteria. On the flip side, turf is believed to exacerbate injuries because it doesn’t give the way that real grass does. MRSA infections are also higher among athletes, who play on turf, as is the incidence of rug burns.
Last week the Consumer Product Safety Commission determined that artificial turf is safe for children to play on. It did recommend washing both body and clothing thoroughly after exposure to such surfaces, however. Meanwhile, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) continues its evaluation of turf by studying the effects of internal and external contact with some of the 31 known chemicals – including lead, cadmium, benzene and zinc – contained in recycled tire crumbs, which are found in most types of artificial turf. The federal agency is expected to issue a report on its findings this fall.
The use of these surfaces as playing fields for children presents us with a sad irony that speaks of innocence lost as well as the hidden costs of so-called perfection. The movement away from grass is one more way in which we are forcing kids to be just like adults by competing as though they are professionals. When I was a kid, knowing where the soggy and bare spots were on the field was part of the game. We never expected everything to be just so; all we cared about was having a place to run around and be kids. And when we went home afterwards, smelling like dirt and sporting bright green grass stains on our knees and elbows, we felt alive and privileged to play so freely on the earth. Why anyone would want to take that away from young people is completely beyond my understanding, even without the health risks that are still not fully understood.
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