June 24, 2008

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- An environmental watchdog group says it has found excessive amounts of lead in several brands of artificial turf. It's warning some of the biggest manufacturers and sellers that it will sue unless they recall or reformulate their products.

The report from the Center for Environmental Health comes after New Jersey officials found unacceptably high lead levels in some synthetic surfaces and federal authorities recommended lead testing on fraying sports fields.

The group says it had tests performed on about 50 products, and at least 15 were found to have high lead levels. The center says it tested and found excessive lead in indoor/outdoor carpeting, artificial lawns and playground grass.

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