NEWARK, N.J., March 20, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Recent concerns surrounding the safety of fibers in the AstroTurf(r) brand product, specifically at Ironbound Stadium in Newark, New Jersey, are warranted. The nylon fibers in the AstroTurf(r) product contain heavy metals and the field in Newark has been rightfully shut down. The nylon AstroTurf(r) surface at Ironbound Stadium is a product that is not even remotely similar to the FieldTurf system. Unlike these AstroTurf(r) fibers, the grass-like blades used in FieldTurf fields are 100% heavy metal-free.
The fibers in the FieldTurf system, installed on more than 200 fields in the Garden State and over 2500 fields worldwide, are free of heavy metals because FieldTurf made the decision in its early stages to move all of its fiber raw materials to environmentally friendly, organic pigments.
"The safety of communities and athletes is, and always has been, the number one priority at FieldTurf," said FieldTurf Tarkett CEO David Moszkowski. "Our products are constantly being tested to ensure that they are indeed safe for the environment. Our fibers are completely heavy metal-free and testing proves that the rubber we use in our fields is safe to play on. The materials used in FieldTurf fields are not only safe but have a positive impact on the environment."
The installation of FieldTurf eliminates the use of harmful pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides, while at the same time removes thousands of tires from landfill sites. FieldTurf requires no mowing, fertilizing, reseeding or watering. FieldTurf helps organizations earn the necessary points needed for U.S. Green Building Council LEED certification. FieldTurf's reused rubber content and water use reduction, among other factors, can contribute up to 10 points towards LEED certification.
FieldTurf is a pioneer when it comes to testing and has test results for durability for all FieldTurf systems. However, the biggest test is the test of time and FieldTurf has passed with flying colors. To ensure FieldTurf Tarkett's standards are unmatched, a rigorous quality control process (based on extensive testing and inspections) is undertaken with every square foot that is put into production. There has yet to be anything that comes remotely close to FieldTurf Tarkett's level of durability and quality control from competitors. Independent safety tests and in-house performance testing has been an integral part of the business philosophy since the very first FieldTurf field installed.