Ron McBride, the athletic director at Logan High, wouldn't have thought twice about the safety of artificial turf a week ago. And when his school changed to a synthetic surface four years ago, he had it tested - for longevity - and not anything else. 
But that changed over the past few days when news spread across the country that the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is investigating whether synthetic fields contain a high concentration of lead, raising fears that athletes could ingest dust or particles from the playing surface. 
The story has caused widespread concern around the nation among parents and administrators alike. It has also caused shock among some of the manufacturers that sell their products to high schools and colleges around the country. More than a few administrators, such as McBride, are taking action to find out more about the problem. 
"I was shocked when I found out," McBride said. "So many schools are [going toward] some kind of sports turf. We studied it pretty good before we got it. We had people come and check it when it came out. We're going to get it checked again for safety." 
McBride's reaction seems to be typical of athletic directors around Utah. There are at least 11 schools statewide that employ an artificial surface, with at least two more schools, Alta and Bingham, expecting to install the surface in time for next football season. 
But those plans can change if the investigation by the CPSC determines that the playing surfaces are dangerous. Just last week, two fields in New Jersey were closed after state health officials determined tests revealed a high concentration of lead in the synthetic turf. On Wednesday, a field in North Syracuse, N.Y., was closed because tests showed high levels of lead.  

Full Story: http://www.sltrib.com/ci_9050320

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