Connecticut's Department of Environmental Protection says it will launch a broad study of the safety of artificial turf playing fields.
Debate has been ongoing in Connecticut and nationwide over whether recycled crumb rubber used to cushion the fields endangers children and the environment.
The DEP study will examine the makeup of the crumb rubber, and check air samples and stormwater runoff near the fields for potential contaminants.
Supporters say the artificial turf fields offer cushioning to protect children from impact injuries, and do not require the pesticides and other upkeep of traditional grass fields.
Opponents say industrial chemicals from the rubber can be released into the air and water runoff, and that children and others could inhale the chemicals.
