Is Artificial Turf Harmful to Kids’ Health?
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iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — Whether they’re tossing a football or running on playgrounds, kids could be at risk of more than bumps and bruises if they’re playing on artificial turf.
The surface itself may contain enough lead to be hazardous, according to a new analysis by USA Today of at least 10 studies of the rubber crumbs in turf, which come from recycled tires and could be ingested.
The research found lead levels exceeded what’s considered safe for children, even though federal agencies promote artificial turf as safe.
The U.S. has more than 11,000 artificial turf fields, USA Today reports. Removing and replacing one could cost a million dollars.
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