Laboratory test results on artificial turf and dust samples previously found to have high lead levels will be released at 1 p.m. today.  A teleconference for the media will follow at 2 p.m.

 

The tests were conducted to determine whether lead in the fibers and dust – if accidentally ingested -- could be broken down during digestion and made available for the body to absorb.  Studies have shown this occurs when lead paint or lead-contaminated soil is ingested, but it was not known if lead from artificial turf presented a similar risk.

 

 Health and Senior Services Commissioner Heather Howard will host the teleconference.  State Epidemiologist and Deputy Commissioner Dr. Eddy Bresnitz and staff from the department’s Consumer and Environmental Health Services will discuss the test results and answer questions.

 

To join the teleconference, call 1-888-751-0624.  The participation code is 847651.

 

For more information on artificial turf, please visit the DHSS web site at:   http://nj.gov/health/artificialturf/index.shtml.  For more information on lead poisoning, visit our Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention page at http://nj.gov/health/fhs/newborn/lead.shtml.

 

# # #

 

.