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OSU’s artificial fields believed to be safe
Ohio State has been following the saga of the possible health hazards created by some artificial-turf fields in New Jersey, two of which were shut down last week by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission because they contained dangerously high levels of lead.
Artificial turf was just installed at Ohio Stadium last year — at a cost of about $800,000 — and the Buckeyes have three synthetic surfaces at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.
In some of the older nylon surfaces being used nationally, pigment containing lead chromate is a common ingredient because it makes the fake grass look green and hold its color over time. But that doesn’t appear to be an issue at OSU, which has only the newer-generation turfs.
“Obviously, we want to be safe, and we feel we are safe,” said Don Patko, OSU’s director of facilities.
The three fields used by the OSU football team are covered with FieldTurf, which has become popular of late because of its grass-like feel. Tests were conducted on that product, and the lead amounts were negligible.
A lacrosse field at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center has an older artificial surface, but Patko said that model is considered safe, too.
Just to be sure, though, Patko said OSU will conduct its own tests with the help of the turf-grass research center on campus.
“We’re not going to panic over this, but we’ll do our due diligence,” Patko said.
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