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« The call for citizen involvement: It's loud, clear & important | Main | Let's talk mercury with the experts: In S.F. »
The real problem with fake grass
I suffer every spring in Washington DC because of the smell of the fake grass that surrounds my apartment building, my walk to work, my walk in the park, my walk pretty much anywhere. I am not super-smell-sensitive, but the smell of the "grass" gives me a headache and makes me sick.
So you can just imagine the "I told you there must be something wrong with it" moment when I read Boston Globe Megan Woolhouse's story, "In fake grass, some see real threat," published Jan. 19 on boston.com.
The story reported that tests commissioned by the Globe found that artificial turf installed in Boston's Saunders Stadium and on playing fields several Boston-area schools contained varying amounts of lead. The Globe determined that the turf was made of plastic and recycled tires and contained as much as 300 parts per million of lead.
Lead is a potent neurotoxin. U.S. law bans its use in house paint, dishes and cookware and children's products, but it is sometimes discovered in imported consumer products, including toys. Lead has also been found in a number of lipsticks.
Well, now we know it's present in playgrounds and playing field.
While the turf industry maintains that low levels of lead are safe, here at EWG we know that there is no such thing as safe exposure to lead. Lead should not be present in things that people touch daily.
The investigation by the Boston Globe raises an alarm and shows the need for further investigation. We know that lead is harmful, and we should do everything possible to not expose people to its dangers. And I know that it's not just the smell that's wrong with fake grass.
« The call for citizen involvement: It's loud, clear & important |
This doesn't surprise me at all. I was reading a month or two back about how my city used to have a program encouraging homeowners to put in artificial grass to save on water. Being in southern California, water is a big issue.
They cut the program when they found out about the lead issues. They felt the lead content was a bigger issue than saving water, and I have to agree.
As you know not all products and installation processes are created equal. I would bet the grass around your apartment contains rubber pellets and is manufactured with nylon. The nylon is the culprit for the high lead levels as pointed out by the CDC http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/artificialturf.htm. As well, the rubber pellets and nylon blades retain moisture (dog urine) which causes the smells.
Nylon and rubber are a blight on the residential fake grass industry. However, some companies are more responsible then others and refuse to sell products with nylon and rubber. Educating the public of the differences is what is really needed.
Synthetic grass is a great alternative to high maintenance natural lawn. ACT Global Sports' product strategy and quality focus, assures our customers have the latest in artificial turf technology for every application
Most recent generations of artificial turf have underdone strict environmental testing to include lead and mercury. The issue of lead mostly resides in the rubber crumb infill that could be found in older versions of synthetic grass. Now you have the option of various sand infill or none at all.
I consider your opinion but think of the better advantages it gives,once you use artificial grass you can help to conserve water and you can minimize your expenses for the maintenance.