EPA Study of Synthetic Turf and Crumb Rubber Finds 'Low Level of Concern'

/PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today the results of a scoping study of the health risks from inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact with synthetic turf and crumb rubber. It concluded that "concentrations of components monitored in this study were below levels of concern." The study further validates the statements of safety by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and other governmental agencies, including the New York State Dept of Environmental Conservation and Dept of Health, the New York City Dept of Health, and the California EPA in recent studies.

Here are highlights from the EPA's news release:

-- 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.


"The Synthetic Turf Council congratulates the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for this important new information," said Rick Doyle, STC president. "The general public will benefit from the detailed and clear presentation of the study's results."

The EPA's news release can be viewed at http://tinyurl.com/ykbw4ka, and the full study is accessible at www.epa.gov. Visit www.syntheticturfcouncil.org for the CPSC's statement and a full list of studies, reports and official position statements.

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Consumers Can Save Up to 70% on Their Water Bill With SYNLawn's Artificial Grass Systems

/PRNewswire/ -- In today's economy, every penny counts. That's why SYNLawn (www.SYNLawn.com), the definitive authority on synthetic grass, is now helping consumers save up to 70% on their water bill by offering the only total solution-based artificial grass systems in the market.

"Our synthetic grass systems transform a previously high maintenance, costly lawn into an easy to maintain, water-saving show piece," said George Neagle, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for SYNLawn. "People are enjoying a great looking lawn all year round. They're helping conserve water while eliminating the hassles of maintenance, grass stains, dirty paws and more.

Consumers eliminate additional expenses with mowing, fertilizing and sprinkler repair along with cost savings that can average hundreds of dollars monthly on watering. Customers typically recoup their investment within four years and tax credits are available in many markets in light of SYNLawn's significantly positive environmental impact.

"Being a vertically integrated company sets us apart," continued Neagle. "We are able to integrate product design with our installation expertise to develop solutions based systems for all landscape applications."

Most Technologically Advanced Systems

SYNLawn helps consumers achieve the greatest cost savings possible by delivering a uniquely customized solution for all of their lawn maintenance needs. They offer the most technologically advanced, efficient systems for landscape, pet, golf and playground applications. The company's state-of-the-art products, precision installation techniques, creative designs and position as the only vertically integrated manufacturer ensure customers receive the total landscape grass solution they need at the best price and a secure warranty. SYNLawn's systems include:

-- SYNLawn Landscape System - As the system most specified by landscape
architects, this provides a wide variety of selections that result in
a custom designed, beautifully manicured lawn that is environmentally
friendly and allergen-free. From saving water and money to adding time
back to customer's busy lives and enhancing lifestyle quality, this
system guarantees the most realistic appearance and unparalleled
performance for synthetic landscape grass.

-- SYNLawn Pet System - Providing pets with a safe, secure surface while
eliminating unsightly dead spots, SYNLawn Pet System users don't have
to worry about their lawns. Destructive animals can't dig, they won't
be exposed to bugs and rodents that inhabit natural grass and those
animals who suffer from outdoor allergies will find relief in their
synthetic grass backyard.

-- SYNLawn Playground System - Safety is the number one concern with
children. With SYNLawn's patented 100% recycled foam and fastener-free
installation techniques, customers receive peace of mind from the
highest quality, most advanced safety features for playground surfaces
available in the marketplace.

-- SYNLawn Golf System - Marking the first time comprehensive science and
research is being applied to synthetic putting green performance,
golfers at all skill levels will benefit as Dave Pelz, former NASA
physicist and renowned golf short game guru, elevates the SYNLawn Golf
System. The system has advanced nylon putting green technology
resulting in superior aesthetics and unparalleled golf performance.
The true ball roll and unique chipping properties will help improve
every aspect of a golfer's game.

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Artificial Turf Installer Association Encouraged By Demands for CPSC & EPA to Study Lead Concerns

"ASGi is embracing the opportunity our industry has been given to work closely with US agencies as they fill the gap of missing science, outside of the boundaries of our own industry's influence, to validate the safety and value of our existing solutions, " states Annie Costa., Executive Director of ASGi. "It's encouraging to have the support, driven by market demand."

To spite the recent flurry of negative press and announcements of CPSC & the EPA to begin studies of the claims there might be hazards associated with using artificial turf, market demand grows. ASGi members report that they continue to secure new business and installations are moving forward on existing contracts. [20% p.a. - AMI Research]

"In California, over 20 million square feet of artificial turf was installed in 2007. Having a beautiful lawn is an American dream and people want the option to use artificial grass because is solves so many issues. Isn't that reason enough to validate its safety and efficiency to the public?" states Costa. "The artificial turf market is looking forward to a very bright future."

Artificial turf has helped to reduce the use of irrigation water, hazardous lawn care chemicals, emissions from lawn equipment, dust, erosion, pests and beautify the sites that it also helps to stabilize. It fills the need of property owners that want to use natural grass and can't due to a host of valid reasons including extreme sun, shade or soil conditions, water pressure, cost or shortages, extreme slopes, environmentally sensitive areas (lakes, streams) and personal issues, such as allergies or access restrictions;. Artificial turf projects can be engineered to be ADA compliant and fall-zone safe and of value to both public and private schools and daycare.

"Artificial turf was introduced in the mid-1960s and has a safe and effective health and environmental record. Every decade since, evolving health and environmental sciences have published revised standards of safe practices or enacted amended legislation to keep up with new findings." stated Costa.

"Our materials suppliers keep step with those developments and we are confident that the safety and effectiveness of our market's existing solutions meet or exceed published standards."

ASGi, the Association of Synthetic Grass Installers, founded by installation professionals in 2007, is committed to promoting the use of and providing safe and effective guidelines for the installation of artificial turf landscape and leisure sports solutions for residential and commercial projects. Content-rich public pages, complete with free guides, updated studies, current news and reports at http://www.asgi.us