TenCate is committed to the safety of athletes, players and others using our artificial turf products. Modern artificial grass surfaces enhance the performance and safety of players and athletes in comparison with natural grass surfaces. The even surface, enhanced shock absorption and consistent playing characteristics reduce the likelihood of injuries.
TenCate also takes maximum care to ensure that its products do not have any harmful effects on public health and the environment:
• We test all of our products, especially in connection with the environment and personal safety. We have no indications that there are any risks related to the use of our products in synthetic grass sport fields. There are no third party tests that give us any other indication. We continue to test our products to ensure safety at all times.
• We welcome any and all (external) tests regarding personal safety and/or environmental impact. TenCate has a constant drive for safety and protection which is a leading factor for the development of new products.
• Contractors may use components from third parties in sport fields that have not been tested by TenCate. This limits our full control on the final product. Therefore we promote to and with our business partners the use of safe sport systems that are completely tested.
• Contamination in sport fields (whether artificial or natural) may arise from external factors. Examples are pollution from heavy traffic or industry near sport pitches. Such contamination is not related to the sports field. Proper maintenance of sports fields is important in this respect and includes regular cleaning.
• For obvious reasons, information regarding the origin of components used in synthetic sport pitches must be available to its users. TenCate assures that its products are made with the safety of people and the environment in mind.
Attached are two pages from our Technical Information Manual (TIM) with the analysis of heavy metal contents of our sports fields grass yarns. This analysis applies to more than 98% of sports fields grass yarns sold and shows that the heavy metal content is very small.
To the best of our knowledge there is no harmful effect to the safety of players or the environment since the lead containing pigments are locked into the fiber and do not leach out and are as such not “bio-available.
We hope to have provided you herewith with adequate product safety information. Should you have any questions, please contact Mr. Ian Petrie of TenCate Grass North America.
Tel: (423) 227 5556
Email: i.petrie@tencate.com
Technical Information
Environment
Nearly all TenCate® fibers are made out of raw materials that do not contain any color pigments based on heavy metals. TenCate® fibers may be used anywhere and without any restrictions in sensitive areas.
The use of pigments without heavy metals has been possible for some time, but at the expense of the color fastness and lifetime. Since 1992 however, TenCate Grass has found the natural balance between environmental and quality requirements for most products. TenCate® fibers are easy to recycle based on the character of polyolefins.
In order to determine the concentrations of heavy metals in the TenCate® fiber styles Dr. Grunder from the Institute for Ecological Building Products has performed tests to measure the heavy metal concentrations. The requirements are based on the LAGA norm, which is a very strict German norm. The results are listed below:
|
Heavy Metal |
Unit |
TenCate PP |
TenCate LSR |
TenCate SPF |
TenCate Xtreme |
NORM |
|
Lead |
mg/kg |
<3 |
<3 |
<3 |
<3 |
85 |
|
Cadmium |
mg/kg |
<0.3 |
<0.3 |
<0.3 |
<0.3 |
0.8 |
|
Chromium total |
mg/kg |
0.8 |
1.9 |
1.0 |
6.4 |
100 |
|
Copper |
mg/kg |
24 |
18 |
32 |
18 |
- |
|
Mercury |
mg/kg |
<0.2 |
<0.2 |
<0.2 |
<0.2 |
0.3 |
|
Zinc |
mg/kg |
4.4 |
5.3 |
5.0 |
9.4 |
140 |
|
Tin |
mg/kg |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
<5 |
- |
‘<’ Means that the measured value is below the detection limit of the measuring device.
These measurements confirm that TenCate Grass uses pigments and materials without heavy
metals.
Besides the absolute concentration of heavy metals it is also important to know to which extent the present heavy metals are leachable. Dr. Grunder also measured this. The results can be found on the next page. The requirements are based on the DIN 18035-7 norm.
Technical Information
|
Heavy Metal |
Unit |
TenCate PP |
TenCate LSR |
TenCate SPF |
TenCate Xtreme |
NORM
|
|
Lead |
mg/l |
0.010 |
0.012 |
0.009 |
<0.005 |
<0.04 |
|
Cadmium |
mg/l |
<0.0005 |
0.0011 |
<0.0005 |
<0.0005 |
<0.005 |
|
Chromium total |
mg/l |
<0.005 |
<0.005 |
<0.005 |
<0.005 |
<0.05 |
|
Copper |
mg/l |
<0.01 |
0.05 |
<0.01 |
0.05 |
- |
|
Mercury |
mg/l |
<0.0002 |
<0.0002 |
<0.0002 |
<0.0002 |
<0.001 |
|
Zinc |
mg/l |
0.01 |
0.27 |
0.02 |
0.094 |
<3.0 |
|
Tin |
mg/l |
<0.005 |
<0.005 |
<0.005 |
<0.005 |
<0.05 |
‘<’ Means that the measured value is below the detection limit of the measuring device.
These measurements confirm that TenCate® fibers may be used anywhere and without any restrictions in sensitive areas.
ATLANTA (April 21, 2008) – Committed to the safety and well-being of the public, the Synthetic Turf Council turned to scientists to evaluate the recent concerns of the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (NJDHSS) that resulted in their closing of three playing fields over suspected high lead levels.
Dr. David Black (Ph.D. Forensic Toxicology) and Dr. Davis Lee (Ph.D. Synthetic Organic Chemistry) assert that there is no scientific evidence of health risks related to the three older synthetic turf fields in New Jersey, particularly the Ironbound B-Field on St. Charles Ave. in Newark. In addition, the NJDHSS concedes in their report that “available evidence suggests that there are no acute health risks due to use of artificial turf fields, and risks due to chronic and repeated exposure are unlikely.”
“We care very much about the community,” said Rick Doyle, President of the Synthetic Turf Council. “People deserve to know the science behind the situation, so our association turned to recognized industry experts to assess the issues.”
Joint Statement from Dr. Black and Dr. Lee:
“There is no scientific evidence of a health risk for children or adults based on recent test results and current knowledge of the chemical structure of aged synthetic turf products.
Concerns over potential harm related to the three older fields in use in New Jersey have not addressed fundamental questions regarding potential toxicity including route of exposure, dose of any potential chemicals, and how such chemicals may be introduced into the body by being in contact with synthetic turf products (referred to as bioavailability).
Reports of health concerns have not been supported by any laboratory analysis on the products or humans that indicate any risk of harm due to potential exposure to chemicals.
Studies that have been conducted and made available for our review have not documented that aged synthetic turf products may be a source of lead exposure to anyone in contact with the product.”
Concerning Absorption of Lead Chromate by the Body (Bioavailability):
Trace amounts of lead exist in everyday products. The key issue is ensuring that quantities of lead that might be harmful to health cannot be absorbed into the body. Used to extend the yarn color lifespan in some synthetic turf products, lead chromate is encapsulated in plastic to prevent any health risks.
The Synthetic Turf Council continues to gather additional scientific and medical data about the issue, sharing that information with the public in press releases and postings on its website, www.syntheticturfcouncil.org.
About Dr. David Black
Dr. Black, founder and CEO of Aegis Sciences Corporation, earned his undergraduate degree from Loyola College in Baltimore and doctorate degree in Legal Medicine (Forensic Toxicology) from the University of Maryland at Baltimore (1982). Dr. Black is a Diplomat of the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (DABFT), Diplomat of the American Board of Clinical Chemistry (DABCC), and is a Certified Professional Chemist by the American Institute of Chemists (CPC/AIC). Dr. Black was Toxicology Department Head and Director of Toxicology for Maryland Medical Laboratory, Inc. from 1982-1986. He joined Vanderbilt University in 1986 as Assistant Professor with appointments on Pathology and Pharmacology. In 1990 Dr. Black founded Aegis Sciences Corporation where he serves as Chairman, President and Laboratory Director.
About Dr. Davis Lee
Dr. Lee, a principal and senior consultant with InnovaNet, LLC, is currently Executive in Residence at the Georgia Institute of Technology School of Polymer, Textile, and Fiber Engineering. He earned his Ph.D. in Synthetic Organic Chemistry from Emory University and spent 20 years with E.I. DuPont DeNemours and Co., Inc., as a research and development specialist in fiber, plastics and chemical technologies.
About the Synthetic Turf Council
Based in Atlanta, the Synthetic Turf Council was founded in 2003 to serve as an objective resource assisting buyers and end users with the selection, use, and maintenance of synthetic turf systems in sports field, golf, and landscape applications. The organization actively collects reputable studies and research, as well as official statements by governmental agencies and sports organizations, which address the impact of synthetic turf sports fields. STC members produce and install most of the synthetic turf sports fields in North America. Membership includes builders, landscape architects, testing labs, maintenance providers, installation contractors and other specialty service companies. For more information, visit www.syntheticturfcouncil.org.
RALEIGH, NC–(Marketwire - April 21, 2008) - GeneralSports Venue (GSV), the exclusive U.S. licensee of the AstroTurf® brand, today announced that it has been awarded the contract to remove and replace the Ironbound B-Field on St. Charles Ave. in Newark, N.J.
The original field at Ironbound, manufactured and installed in 1999 by Southwest Recreational Industries, is being removed due to its age and subsequent concerns over the amount of lead chromate found in the turf fiber. The aging nylon turf field, located within an abandoned industrial complex that the EPA found was contaminated with heavy metals, prompted a limited study within the state on the safety of chemical compounds used in synthetic turf.
After meeting with a team representing AstroTurf, led by GSV Chairman and New Jersey resident Michael Dennis, the City of Newark elected to replace the Ironbound field with PureGrass®, a new AstroTurf system featuring lead-free nylon fibers. The City of Newark anticipates the new surface installation at Ironbound will be completed by May 7, followed by a ribbon cutting later in the month.
PureGrass is a non-filled, highly durable synthetic grass system which features TurfAide®, a factory-applied antimicrobial agent. TurfAide® has been standard in all AstroTurf branded synthetic turf products since 2007 and utilizes antimicrobial technology to combat a wide variety of bacteria.
“The City of Newark did their homework and looked at the best products the industry has to offer,” said Michael Dennis, GSV Chairman. “While testing has supported that the composition of the old field posed no known risk to human health, the city requested that the replacement system be lead-free to eliminate any perceived concerns by its citizens. It is important to note that AstroTurf is not a type of turf, but rather a brand offering a broad range of products, including the lead-free PureGrass product selected by the City of Newark.”
Removal of the original Ironbound field is nearing completion. During the removal process, the City of Newark used a pollutant testing agency to evaluate the air quality in the immediate area. Over several days, workers were monitored with respirators using filters specifically calibrated to test for lead. Test results showed no detectable levels of lead. The testing, conducted for OSHA Workplace Exposure Assessment, determined that workers required no protection for potential exposure to lead.
According to State of New Jersey Deputy Commissioner and State Epidemiologist Dr. Eddy Bresnitz, tests were conducted on the children who had been exposed to the Ironbound field and found that the lead levels in the children who had played on the field were lower or equal to levels found in children who had not been exposed to the field.
Additionally, both the City of Newark and another independent laboratory conducted leaching tests on the Ironbound turf to determine if any lead chromate was leaving the turf fibers and escaping into the environment. Both tests used EPA approved methods to analyze fibers from the old field at Ironbound, and did not detect leaching of lead. To view a copy of the results from one of the tests conducted, please go to www.astroturfusa.com. The test results support the opinions of leading chemical technology and lead toxicity experts who have reviewed the data and concluded there is no health risk associated with lead chromate in the turf fibers. Those opinions are available at www.syntheticturfcouncil.org.
GSV joins with the Synthetic Turf Council in its position that synthetic turf products are safe and present no known risks to human health or the environment. AstroTurf offers the industry’s largest range of synthetic turf products with in-filled products such as GameDay Grass® XPe, MT and 3D; non-filled products such as PureGrass and AstroTurf 12®, and conversion systems such as Magic Carpet®, Fusion Turf® and Transition Turf®.
“GSV and AstroTurf are honored to have been chosen to replace the field at Ironbound with PureGrass, one of our most advanced synthetic turf products,” said Jon Pritchett, CEO of GeneralSports Venue. “We thank the officials from the City of Newark for taking the time to be educated on the advantages of the innovation and technology available from AstroTurf.”
About AstroTurf
AstroTurf offers advanced, state-of-the-art, multi-sport and specialized synthetic turf systems with proprietary engineered technologies, leveraging the industry’s only vertically integrated manufacturing system. The relaunch of AstroTurf, including the enlistment of football legend Archie Manning as ambassador for the brand, has positioned it as the leading innovator in the synthetic turf industry, with a growing number of high schools, colleges, professional sports teams and municipalities selecting AstroTurf-branded products for their premium quality, technical superiority and safety. To learn more, visit www.astroturfusa.com.
About GeneralSports Venue
Based in Michigan and with executive headquarters in Raleigh, N.C., and regional offices in Richmond, Va., San Diego, San Francisco, Boston, Columbus, Portland, Philadelphia, Kansas City and New Jersey, GSV is a certified Minority Business Enterprise that offers a range of integrated services for sports venue owners, operators and developers. GSV’s professional services include project development, design, estimating, finance, revenue generation, program management and construction for sports venues. Aided by its sports turf division, GSV has been among the fastest-growing companies in the sports construction industry. To learn more, visit www.generalsportsvenue.com.
Synthetic Turf Council Offers Clarity & Context to Concerns About New Jersey Fields
Atlanta, Ga. – (April 15, 2008) The Synthetic Turf Council, representing the U.S. synthetic turf industry, wants to offer some clarity and context to the concerns raised by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services yesterday.
We offer this information as part of our corporate and community responsibility to not only promote health and safety, but also to act as an industry that relies on science, technology, research, engineering, testing and factual data. These standards have enabled our industry to develop cutting edge products that provide safe, environmentally sound sports and recreation facilities for communities throughout the country, contributing to the conservation of land and natural resources.
Based on the facts, chemical science, and research that is readily available, we believe the synthetic turf fields identified in New Jersey, and similar fields made with nylon fibers, are safe to use and pose no known risk to an individual’s health or the environment.
Here are the facts:
The pigment used to color the nylon fiber contains lead chromate, a component used to extend the yarn color lifespan. Lead chromate is a highly insoluble compound with extremely low bioavailability, which is diluted, extruded with resins and microencapsulated within the nylon fiber. In fact, OSHA requires no protective measures when handling the turf fibers.
Extremely low bioavailability means that even if the compound were to be ingested, it is very difficult for the compound to be absorbed within the body. There is no known evidence that this poses any health risk.
The City of Newark recently conducted elemental analysis testing using EPA approved protocols on turf fibers from Ironbound Stadium, one of the fields identified in the New Jersey report. A separate independent test, supervised by Dr. Davis Lee, PhD of Chemistry with InnovaNet, was also conducted. Both tests concluded that under EPA approved test conditions, no leaching of heavy metals occurs. In other words – the lead chromate can’t escape the nylon within which it is contained.
In addition, the City of Newark ordered an air monitoring test which was conducted by Weston Solutions at the Ironbound site during removal of the stadium’s nylon surface. The test found no detectable levels of airborne lead or lead chromate. The technical data and summaries of these tests are available to the public and the media.
It’s important to point out that the evaluation by the New Jersey DHSS of the safety of the material content of the synthetic turf in question is being made by using EPA residential soil safety standards. The EPA soil safety standard does not take into consideration the extremely low bioavailability of compounds that are bound and encapsulated in plastics such as synthetic turf.
Given the serious nature of the report issued yesterday, it’s critically important to point out the DHSS report itself acknowledges there is “a very low risk of exposure” to the users of the fields in question.
About the Synthetic Turf Council
Based in Atlanta, the Synthetic Turf Council was founded in 2003 to serve as an objective resource assisting buyers and end users with the selection, use, and maintenance of synthetic turf systems in sports field, golf, and land