Let the rough housing begin. The artificial turf replacing the real stuff on playing fields across the country won’t kill you, according to a Connecticut firm. An environmental group, however, is not so sure it’s really safe.
Artificial turf made from crushed rubber does not pose any health risks, the Cheshire-based engineering and environmental consultant Milone & Macbroom concluded.
Concerns have been raised across the country about the safety of artificial turf because of the industrial chemicals it contains.
Vincent McDermott, senior vice president of Milone & Macbroom, , said his firm did the study so it could inform clients about any safety issues.
Milone & Macbroom's clients have included schools that have installed both synthetic and natural grass fields.
A North Haven-based environmental group is questioning the methodology and the firm's objectivity.
Nancy Alderman, of Environment and Human Health Incorporated, disputes the study's findings. The nonprofit group she is affiliated with has concerns about artificial turf's effect on children's health and says more studies are needed.
Local
Alderman said Milone & Macbroom tested for only a few chemical compounds and air samplers the firm used were too small.
The state Department of Environmental Protection is planning its own study of synthetic turf.
