| Releases
& Statements
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 15, 2007
Contact: John Collins, Press Secretary
(212) 669-4193; (917) 496-4587
Release #: 013-2007
Public
Advocate Gotbaum Calls for Independent Testing of Pellets Used
in City Parks
-Health
risks to New Yorkers playing on synthetic turf remains unknown
–
MANHATTAN
– Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum today called for immediate,
independent testing of rubber pellets that may pose serious health
risks to New Yorkers. The rubber pellets, used to fill in synthetic
turf in more than 70 athletic fields throughout the City, are
made from recycled tires that contain high levels of cancer-causing
chemicals. The health risks to families and kids playing on the
turf remain unknown.
Public
Advocate Gotbaum was joined by CUNY Professor William Crain and
representatives from New York Lawyers for the Public Interest
to call on the Parks Department to allow an independent study
of the health impacts of the pellets before the City expands their
use to additional fields.
Public
Advocate Gotbaum said, “Families and children play in City
parks every day – and they shouldn’t be placed in
danger. We know these pellets contain toxic agents, but we don’t
know if these hazardous agents will hurt families or children.
That’s why the City should allow an exhaustive, independent
study to help us identify possible health risks and protect New
Yorkers.”
In
2006, researchers at Rutgers University studied the pellets and
found levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons at levels well
above those set for soil by the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation. However, the study did not determine if the chemicals
are absorbed into the body. The Parks Department has denied requests
for further tests.
Professor
William Crain said, “It is an important public health issue
that we learn how these chemicals in synthetic turf might affect
children or athletes. The Parks Department should be encouraging
our research, not putting obstacles in our way.”
The
Parks Department uses the rubber pellet infill on the surface
of the turf to make it feel more natural. As a result, the pellets
come in near-constant contact with people using the fields.
Gavin
Kearney at New York Lawyers for the Public Interest said, “New
Yorkers deserve safe parks. Where legitimate health concerns are
raised, the Parks Department should support efforts to address
those concerns and not stone wall the process.”
Christian
DiPalermo, Executive Director of New Yorkers for Parks, said,
“Questions remain, and the City should make every effort
to examine the turf issue in a transparent way to ensure the safety
of all New Yorkers and the best use of public dollars.”
Professor
Crain and researchers at Rutgers University have already secured
funding to complete an independent study of the pellets. However,
the funding is predicated on Parks Department authorization. Public
Advocate Gotbaum said that the City should allow Rutgers University
or another independent organization to analyze the health impact
of these pellets.
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