Environmental Health Impacts of Artificial Playing Fields and Rubber Playground Surfaces

An overview of the scientific and medical evidence about lead, other heavy metals, and chemicals used in artificial turf and synthetic playground surfaces, and the impact of those exposures on children.  The presentation will include the myths and realities regarding the benefits and risks of these products, whether used indoors or outdoors.

Dr. Diana Zuckerman, PhD, is President of the National Center for Health Research, a nonprofit public health think tank that conducts and analyzes research on a wide range of healthcare and health policy issues and uses the results to inform policies, programs, and services affecting the health of adults and children.  She has testified about the safety and effectiveness of medical and consumer products before U.S. Congressional Committees; federal agencies; state legislators; the Canadian Parliament; and has briefed Canadian and European officials and nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and abroad.