Water Authority Suspends Artificial Turf Incentive Program
June 26, 2008
The San Diego County Water Authority today suspended its artificial turf incentive program in response to a Centers for Disease…
The San Diego County Water Authority today suspended its artificial turf incentive program in response to a Centers for Disease Control (CDC) health advisory that cited concerns about lead levels found in certain kinds of artificial turf recently tested in New Jersey.
Limited testing by New Jersey health officials of artificial turf playing fields has indicated several artificial turf products made of nylon or nylon-blended fibers contain levels of lead that may pose a potential health concern. According to the advisory, the fields found to have high lead levels in New Jersey were weathered and dusty, used frequently, and the turf fibers were abraded, broken, or faded.
The CDC advisory indicated the risk of harmful lead exposure is low from fields that are new or in good condition and it will continue to monitor the situation in coordination with other agencies.
The Water Authority will suspend its program as a precautionary measure until more definitive information and a recommendation on the safety of artificial turf is made available by the CDC or other proper public health and consumer product regulatory agencies. The Water Authority also is requesting the concurrent suspension of all other water agency artificial turf incentives within its service area.
For the full CDC Health Advisory, visit: Potential Exposure to Lead in Artificial Turf: Public Health Issues, Actions and Recommendations.
For information on protecting children from lead poisoning, visit the County of San Diego Health & Human Services Department at HHSA: Lead – Information on Protecting Children.
The Water Authority is advising those who have health concerns about artificial turf or lead exposure to contact their physician or the County Health Department at (619) 515-6694.
The Water Authority sponsors a variety of incentive programs that help cover the cost of product purchases that reduce household and commercial water use. The Water Authority does not endorse or warranty specific products for purchase. Other water conservation programs will continue to be offered. For more information, visit www.20gallonchallenge.com.
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