WAYNE, PA –  Sprinturf President and CEO, Stanley H. Greene, announced today that he is extremely pleased with the preliminary findings of the EPA study released yesterday and is committed to continuing his efforts as both an industry executive and chairman of the Synthetic Turf Council ensuring that the materials used in athletic fields and playing surfaces are deemed safe by agencies at the highest levels.

“The safety of the athletes that play on these surfaces has always been the priority at Sprinturf and whether that relates to injuries or environmental concerns, we will remain at the forefront of the associated research and testing efforts and support them in every way that we can,” shared Greene.

Not only has Stanley Greene been actively involved in Sprinturf’s research on environmental concerns, but his recent appointment as the chairman of the industry’s Synthetic Turf Council (STC) has given him the opportunity to get directly involved with federal and state agencies on behalf of the entire industry, something that he believes will help the industry grow with integrity and credibility.

“Research and testing done by those within the industry itself are often seen by others as self-serving and self-fulfilling. It doesn’t matter what industry you are in - we’ve all seen it many times.  Thorough testing by federal agencies like the CPSC and the EPA and many state agencies including California and New York, however, simply cannot be disputed.  I believe we can now put these issues to rest with full confidence.”

The complete EPA study is available on the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s website and can be downloaded at:  http://www.epa.gov/nerl/features/tire_crumbs.html

CLICK HERE to read the EPA’s press release issued yesterday afternoon.

Highlights from the EPA’s release include:

•       The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has released results of a limited field monitoring study of artificial-turf playing fields and playgrounds constructed with recycled tire material or tire crumb.

•       "The limited data EPA collected during this study, which do not point to a concern, represent an important addition to the information gathered by various government agencies," said Peter Grevatt, director of EPA's Office of Children's Health Protection. "The study will help set the stage for a meeting this spring, where EPA will bring together officials from states and federal agencies to evaluate the existing body of science on this topic and determine what additional steps should be taken to ensure the safety of kids who play on these surfaces."

•               Study findings:

Particulate matter, metals and volatile organic compound concentrations were measured in the air samples and compared with areas away from the turf fields (background levels). The levels found in air samples from the artificial turf were similar to background levels.

No tire-related fibers were observed in the air samples.

All air concentrations of particulate matter and lead were well below levels of concern.

More than 90 percent of the lead in the tire crumb material was tightly bound and unavailable for absorption by users of the turf fields.

Zinc, which is a known additive in tires, was found in tire crumb samples.  However, air and surface wipe monitoring levels of zinc were found to be below levels of concern.

ABOUT SPRINTURF

Sprinturf, based in Wayne, PA, has been a leader in the synthetic turf industry since 1998, designing and building world-class athletic fields and sports surfaces around the globe.  With more than 500 installations nationwide in professional, collegiate, high school and municipal settings, Sprinturf is one of the largest companies in the industry today.  This continued growth and success of Sprinturf is driven by the Company’s core principals of performance, safety and service and serve as the foundation for all aspects of the business.  Sprinturf proudly boasts marquee customers include the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, The University of Montana, Utah State University, Auburn University, UCLA, and the U.S. Naval Academy and the University of Pennsylvania.   For more information, visit www.sprinturf.com or call us at 877-686-TURF. Sprinturf, based in Wayne, PA, has been a leader in the synthetic turf industry since 1998, designing and building world-class athletic fields and sports surfaces around the globe.  With more than 500 installations nationwide in professional, collegiate, high school and municipal settings, Sprinturf is one of the largest companies in the industry today.  This continued growth and success of Sprinturf is driven by the Company’s core principals of performance, safety and service and serve as the foundation for all aspects of the business.  Sprinturf proudly boasts marquee customers include the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, The University of Montana, Utah State University, Auburn University, UCLA, and the U.S. Naval Academy and the University of Pennsylvania.   For more information, visit www.sprinturf.com or call us at 877-686-TURF.

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