Park pellets may be toxic

Rubber pellets underneath acres of artificial turf being installed in city parks could be unsafe, according to academics who have studied the synthetic stuff.

The Brooklyn Daily Eagle reports:

Preliminary testing indicated the rubber pellets, made from recycled tires, contain high levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that exceed levels deemed safe by the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation, according to City College psychology professor William Crain. He conducted the study with chemists from City College and Rutgers University.

Crain said the city should stop using synthetic turf, already installed on 70 fields, including Cadman Plaza, until testing can be done to ensure that the chemicals don’t absorb into the skin or dissolve when ingested by children, who tend to put their hands in their mouths.

City Parks and Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe has, not surprisingly, defended his department's widespread use of the turf, citing industry studies and acceptance of the turf by sports teams.

"Of course, asbestos and PCBs were also widely used for decades before both substances were banned because of later studies that exposed their health risks," the Eagle reports.

While the story is primarily about potential dangers to people, especially children, it seems pet parents should take notice as well. Like human kids, dogs will put almost anything in their mouths that will fit.

Thanks to Brooklyn Heights Blog for making the pet connection.

Photo: Brooklyn Heights Blog