Statement Regarding the Bioavailability of Lead in the Synthetic Turf at Ironbound Stadium in Newark

The following statement is offered jointly by Dr. David Black (Ph.D. Forensic Toxicology) and Dr. Davis Lee (Ph.D. Synthetic Organic Chemistry) to address concerns over the safety of synthetic turf fields in New Jersey, specifically the Ironbound Stadium field located in Newark.

"There is no scientific evidence of a health risk for children or adults based on recent test results and current knowledge of the chemical structure of aged synthetic turf products. Reports of potential harm related to older fields in use have not addressed fundamental questions regarding potential toxicity including route of exposure, dose of any potential chemicals, and how such chemicals may be introduced into the body by being in contact with synthetic turf products (referred to as bioavailability).

Reports of health concerns have not been supported by any laboratory analysis on the products or humans that indicate any risk of harm due to potential exposure to chemicals.

Studies that have been conducted and made available for our review have not documented that aged synthetic turf products may be a source of lead exposure to anyone in contact with the product. We are continuing our own investigations into the potential bioavailability of lead from older synthetic turf products to assess for the possibility for harm.”

Dr. David Black

Dr. Black, founder and CEO of Aegis Sciences Corporation, earned his undergraduate degree from Loyola College in Baltimore and doctorate degree in Legal Medicine (Forensic Toxicology) from the University of Maryland at Baltimore (1982). Dr. Black is a Diplomat of the American Board of Forensic Toxicology (DABFT), Diplomat of the American Board of Clinical Chemistry (DABCC), and is a Certified Professional Chemist by the American Institute of Chemists (CPC/AIC). Dr. Black was Toxicology Department Head and Director of Toxicology for Maryland Medical Laboratory, Inc. from 1982-1986. He joined Vanderbilt University in 1986 as Assistant Professor with appointments on Pathology and Pharmacology. In 1990 Dr. Black founded Aegis Sciences Corporation where he serves as Chairman, President and Laboratory Director.

Dr. Davis Lee

Dr. Lee, a principal and senior consultant with InnovaNet, LLC, is currently Executive in Residence at the Georgia Institute of Technology School of Polymer, Textile, and Fiber Engineering. He earned his Ph.D. in Synthetic Organic Chemistry from Emory University and spent 20 years with E.I. DuPont DeNemours and Co., Inc., as a research and development specialist in fiber, plastics and chemical technologies.

About the Synthetic Turf Council

Based in Atlanta, the Synthetic Turf Council was founded in 2003 to serve as an objective resource assisting buyers and end users with the selection, use, and maintenance of synthetic turf systems in sports field, golf, and landscape applications. The organization actively collects reputable studies and research, as well as official statements by governmental agencies and sports organizations, which address the impact of synthetic turf sports fields. STC members produce and install most of the synthetic turf sports fields in North America. Membership includes builders, landscape architects, testing labs, maintenance providers, installation contractors and other specialty service companies. For more information, visit www.syntheticturfcouncil.org.