Oregon Public Broadcasting

Students at a Portland elementary school are being kept off a playing field that contains artificial turf.  Officials are worried about lead in the turf.  Pete Springer reports.

The artificial turf playing field at Rieke Elementary School is now off-limits to children eleven and under.

Which -- since the school is kindergarten through 5th grade – means the elementary students will not be allowed to play on the field.

The concern is over lead in the artificial turf.  As the turf ages, that lead can be released in the form of dust that can get on clothes, hands, or be inhaled.

Young children are more susceptible to lead exposure than older children or adults. 

The district tested the turf and found lead levels within safety measures set by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, but those levels exceeding recommendations set by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Matt Shelby is a spokesman for Portland Public Schools.

Matt Shelby “So what we have done is, is really just err on the side of caution for now and we’ll continue to limit the use until we can figure out exactly what we’re going to be doing moving forward.”

Shelby says the district will continue testing the playing fields, especially as they age and show signs of wear.