_At first glance, it may seem that this ‘artificial turf’, often composed of material from recycled tires, is an automatic resource saver and the clear ‘green’ alternative to natural lawns (and football fields) with the water and pesticides they require. However, synthetic grass surfaces may actually pose a health hazard because of the lead and other toxins they release and the extreme heat they can produce.
_The New York Times reports on a new bill signed by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg requiring parks and health departments to work together to ensure a thorough review of the materials that go into producing artificial fields. The bill was prompted by issues like the closure of a field of artificial turf due to elevated lead levels.
_For more information on lead poisoning, see How to Protect Your Children from Lead Poisoning.
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