Available studies, reports and industry statements are available on the Association of Synthetic Grass Installers (ASGi) website and you can go there from the link below. Other industry groups and resources are also available at the site, along with several key documents that refer to the science behind artificial turf fiber technology and its use, since the early 1960s.

For those that want to test themselves

There are several options you have available if you would like to test any kind of product for lead or other heavy metal content.

A very affordable and accurate tool, that you can purchase or rent, for the detection of heavy metals, in including lead, in everything from artificial turf fibers to infill materials (crumb rubber) is X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) technology.

X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) technology tools use a non destructive method of testing for lead content. These hand-held devices are used successfully for measuring lead in soil and paint, including paint on children's toys, furniture, and other objects.

Lead-based paint inspectors and some laboratories may have these devices, which exist in both portable and fixed forms. Portable XRF devices allow consumers to have items tested in more convent locations such as home or schools.

For one option, available to US consumers on the internet - check on the XRF hand held devices from Innov-X Systems. They can be pricey, so bear in mind the need, the use and the effectiveness and data you are trying to secure with this device when deciding on its investment value.

Another XRF hand-held device is from Thermo-Scientific.

For RENTALS of XRF Hand-held devices, we found an equipment company that can rent you the InnovX unit by day, week or month. The US firm is called Ajax Environmental.

If you use a service to do the testing for you, cost per reading depends on the number of samples to be analyzed and the inspector's time.

Other independent testing facilities, used by the artificial grass industry are:

United States Sports Surfacing Laboratory, Inc. [USSL]
Hopewell, VA
Hans Kolitzus
President
Kathleen Smith
Director of Ops
804.541.7212
www.ussl-testing.com

Thomas Testing, Inc.
Scotts, MI
Marvin Thomas
President
Sabrina Thomas
866.327.4690
www.thomastesting.com

Testing Services, Inc.
Dalton, GA
Erle Miles, Sr.
President
706.226.1400
www.tsiofdalton.com

Labosport, Inc.
Laval, Quebec, Canada
Yvon Depelteau
Director Canada
877.663.2526
Alastair Cox
Derbyshire, UK
www.labosport.com