?EUR??,,????'??Thousands of children across the state play on these fields every day of the week. Recent studies conducted in New Jersey and across the nation indicate that there could be seriously problems with these fields,?EUR??,,????'?? Maldonado commented. ?EUR??,,????'??Excessive levels of lead on some older fields in New Jersey prompted the closure of two fields. It is important that we know our children are using safe and healthy playing surfaces.?EUR??,,????'??

SB 1277 will require a report be made available to the Legislature no later than September 1, 2010 regarding any health and/or safety impacts related to synthetic and natural turf fields. Studies have shown that athletes who use synthetic turf are seven times more likely to receive open skin lesions (referred to as turf burn). These open lesions are often the source of contracting and vehicle for spreading dangerous infections. In fact, a 2003 study of MRSA infections among St. Louis Rams football players found that all eight MRSA infections began at turf burn sites.

?EUR??,,????'??Medical experts have found that staphylococci and other bacteria can survive on polyethylene plastic, the compound used to make synthetic turf blades, for more than 90 days. Blood, sweat, skin cells and other materials can remain on the synthetic turf because the fields are not washed or cleaned. In short, playing on these fields is like playing on a giant used band aid. I am glad to see that the Senate recognized the importance of further investigating the safety of these fields,?EUR??,,????'?? Maldonado concluded.