An inexpensive combined thermometer/hydrometer device was placed on the turf and given approximately 5 minutes to register the surface temperature of the turf.
Two iPhones opened to two different weather apps (the iPhone Weather App and Accuweather) were placed beside the device.
Within a few minutes, the hydrometer failed and registered as “LL”.
After 5 minutes, a picture was taken of the thermometer reading next to the two iPhone weather apps.
The first photo illustrates the time/date/weather readings on either side of the device at 3:59 pm. The air temperature was 78, with a “real feel” from Accuweather as 89. The turf thermometer registered as 107.2 and no “real feel” was calculable.
As the thermometer appeared to be rising from the 3:59 pm reading, the first grade level scientists decided to do some observational data collection and give the thermometer a few more minutes to register the turf surface temperature.
The second photo illustrates the time/date/weather readings on either side of the gauge at 4:06 pm. The air temperature was 79, with a “real feel” from Accuweather as 85. The turf thermometer registered as 113.7 and again, no “real feel” was calculable.
Some observations: sweaty children were playing barefoot on the turf, children were seated and crowding into the shade of stacked graduation chairs for relief from the heat, crumb rubber was stuck to children’s feet, empty plastic water and sports drinks bottles were scattered throughout the field, an odor was present on the track, and no warnings regarding health or safety were included on the signage provided by Astroturf.
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A third temperature reading was not provided because the first grade level scientists were beginning to feel overheated by their study experience.
Back home in air conditioning, a Google Scholar search including the words “heat synthetic turf McNitt” reveals 157 results.
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Maybe Dr. McNitt can enlighten Mt Lebanon about heat issues with respect to synthetic turf during the evening Middle/Wildcat field enhancements symposium on Thursday, June 12.
Until then, these scientists are cooling their feet in the grass. Organic, of course.
53 comments:
Perfectly safe. It's only 30 degrees higher than ambient temp. What's the issue...
In addition to multiple professional athletes on the record as rejecting turf (listen up, Daves, since neither of you even comes close to being mistaken for an athlete of any caliber), here is a story about a professional athlete merely cramping up because of heat.
http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2014/6/7/5788190/lebron-james-cramps-jokes-heat-vs-spurs-nba-finals-2014
Lebron is no slouch. In fact, he is considered the best professional basketball player in the NBA and thus, would rank high in world standings. So if temperatures above what he considers normal do that to him, a big and very healthy guy, what do you think a 30 or 40 degree difference will do to a 12-year old?
Keep it up, Papa Turf. When someone's kid keels over from heat stroke and dies on your carpeted field, you can't say you didn't see it coming. Enough is enough.
How about all those strollers that were on the track last weekend during the relay for life??
Are those the graduation chairs that were part of the reason why the high school turf was replaced prematurely and voided the warranty?
Nick M.
I believe so, Nick. Also, what was used to deliver the pallets of folding chairs?
Elaine
http://www.fieldturf.com/en/artificial-turf/artificial-turf-news/heat-reduces-practice-time
The kids can do like the pros...stay cooler without their pads. Problem solved.
"Training-camp regimens of all football teams -- from high school through the NFL -- have been under increased scrutiny this year because of heat-related deaths last year. The most prominent victim was Vikings offensive tackle Korey Stringer. Thursday is the one-year anniversary of Stringer's death."
Mr. Springer died on natural grass turf.
http://www.m.webmd.com/children/guide/dehydration-heat-illness?page=1
"Protecting Your Child From Dehydration and Heat Illness"
"With the hot days of summer come summer sports -- baseball, tennis, football practice -- both in the neighborhood and at camp. Before you send the kids out to practice -- or just for a long day of play in the sun -- learn to protect your child against the dangers of dehydration and heat illness. WebMD turned to Albert C. Hergenroeder, professor of pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine and chief of the sports medicine clinic at Texas Children's Hospital, for answers to parents' common questions.
1. What puts my child at risk for dehydration?
The same things that put you at risk for dehydration: prolonged exposure to high temperatures, direct sun, and high humidity, without sufficient rest and fluids. The difference is that a child's body surface area makes up a much greater proportion of his overall weight than an adult's, which means children face a much greater risk of dehydration and heat-related illness."
Now remember McNitt's study and its warning concerning turf temperatures.
http://plantscience.psu.edu/research/centers/ssrc/documents/temperature-irrigation.pdf
From McNitt's paper above:"Researchers have found that the surface temperatures of synthetic turf playing surfaces
are significantly higher than natural turfgrass surfaces when exposed to sunlight. (Buskirk
et al., 1971; Koon et al., 1971; and Kandelin et al. 1976). Buskirk et al. (1971) found that
the surface temperatures of traditional synthetic turf were as much as 35-60 °C higher
than natural turfgrass surface temperatures. Buskirk et al. (1971) placed thermocouples
on the inner soles of cleated shoes and had individuals walk on the synthetic surface to
determine the amount of heat transferred directly from the surface to the individual's foot.
Any heat gain to the foot must be dissipated by blood flow. Buskirk et al. (1971)
concluded that the heat transfer from the surface to the sole of an athlete's foot was
significant enough to contribute to greater physiological stress that may result in serious
heat related health problems regardless of similar air temperatures one meter above the surface."
A visit to www.wunderground.com permits concerned citizens to review weather patterns for Mt Lebanon.
In 2013, there were 124 days with highs equal to or exceeding 75 degrees. If today's weather of 78 provided turf temperatures in excess of 113 in a short-term sampling of the temperature, what will the sports teams do to increase playing slots if warm weather patterns continue to persist in Pittsburgh?
A recent federal government's report of forthcoming weather patterns for Pittsburgh include warmer temperatures and more extreme rain events.
Here is the breakdown of days with 75+ temperatures from 2013:
Jan-March 0
April 4
May 17
June 24
July 30
Aug 28
Sept 15
October 6
Nov-Dec 0
Total 124 days
SAB Quote in response to concerns raised at a meeting regarding the warmth of the fields:
"It doesn't get that hot in Pittsburgh".
11:19 PM, I knew that I would hear that. That is all you got out of this?
Elaine
11:19 here, not that isn't all that I got out this topic.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/23253644/
"Epidemiology of exertional heat illness among U.S. high school athletes."
"BACKGROUND: It is estimated that more than 9000 high school athletes are treated for exertional heat illness annually. Risk factors include being obese and beginning practice during hot and humid weather, when athletes are not yet acclimated to physical exertion in heat.
PURPOSE: To describe the epidemiology of exertional heat illness in high school athletes.
METHODS: National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance System data (2005/2006-2010/2011) were analyzed in 2012 to calculate rates and describe circumstances of exertional heat illness.
RESULTS: Exertional heat illness occurred at a rate of 1.20 per 100,000 athlete exposures (95% CI=1.12, 1.28). Exertional heat illnesses were widely distributed geographically, and most occurred in August (60.3%). Of the exertional heat illnesses reported during practice, almost one third (32.0%) occurred more than 2 hours into the practice session. The exertional heat illness rate in football (4.42 per 100,000 athlete exposures) was 11.4 times that in all other sports combined (95% CI=8.3, 15.5, p<0.001). In addition, approximately one third (33.6%) of exertional heat illnesses occurred when a medical professional was not onsite at the time of onset."
11:19 Thanks for demonstrating that if one can die from heat stroke or suffer from heat exhaustion while playing a sport on natural grass, there must be a greater risk for youth athletes playing on synthetic turf in extremely warm conditions.
I think I figured out what is going on. We're trying to reason with guys who took too many hits to the head playing sports.
You wanted to see proof about the turf temperature, so we provided it.
Elaine
Sound familiar—
"No. 09] Turf vs.Grass: A False Choice. The promoters of artificial turf fields often begin their polished presentations to municipalities by saying that 'we all prefer grass a playing surface, but ...' Consultants who are hired by municipalities to advice on what the community ought to do with a deteriorating grass field often sing a similar tune, 'we looked at grass and at turf and ....'
The preference for turf is phrased in connection with longevity and more playing time (both good things) and the debasing of grass is often phrased in terms of high cost of maintenance, vulnerability to rain and snow, puddling and mud, attractive to wildlife and wildlife excrement, less playing time, use of fertilizers, pesticides and gasoline operated equipment (all bad things). 'Given a well-maintained grass playing field and turf field,' the sales pitch goes, 'we all would want to have a grass field, but because that is not possible or expensive to achieve, turf is the best choice.'
The turf v. grass choice is a false one. If one were honest, one would be comparing a well-maintained grass field with a well-maintained artificial turf field. This is particularly true of situations where a sparckling new turf field is being compared to the run-down, neglected and ill-maintained grass field that it is to replace.While grass field maybe slightly more expensive to maintain, the cost of installation of an artifical turf field and the replacement of the surface are huge. And, there is no way, artificial turf can possibly be made to pass as an environmental improvement over grass!
The items appearing below speak to the necessity to preserve and maintain our grass playing fields."
http://www.synturf.org/introduction.html
And
http://www.synturf.org/athletichealth.html
Sorry, about 11:19/11:37 didn't realize there were two 11:19.
11:19
First, the sports epidemiologists are acutely aware of underreporting of illnesses and injuries among youth athletes. They call it an epidemic of underreporting.
Second, please share the same study results for preschool, elementary and middle school children or do you envision the new turf solely for high school athletes?
The sign says no sports drinks? There goes Silverman's plan for an economic boost.
I wonder how many cancellations will occur because of excessive heat?
--Tom the Tinker
12:00 am.
Then what, will I have to provide study results for kids with red hair? How about studies on the heat impacts on 8 year old girls with pony tails?
I'm not quite sure of your point asking if I envision the turf being used solely by high school athletes. If I reply yes - and I'm not though I believe that is the primary goal of the SAB, to create a primary lacrosse/soccer field, then what is your follow up?
Let's see, we've tried talking, we've tried presenting studies and reports on the health and environmental implications of artificial turf (Bendel's never seen any evidence) and we've put up lawn signs.
Perhaps it's time for some 'civil disobedience-Ghandi style!'
How about some nice sunny day very soon, all the people that don't want MWC turfed decide to meet at the picnic tables by the field's snack bar and take in a few youth sports events.
Hey, we've paid for the facilities, there is no reason why we can't arrive 1/2 hour before game time and get the best parking spots abd seats. There certainly aren't any codes, ordinances or regulations that prohibit a resident from taking in a game at that location. Bring your Keep It Green signs too. There's no regulation prohibiting placing a sunscreen on your windshield.
I can't think of any better way to get the commissioners' attention and remind the SAB that the fields belong to everyone.
If I remember correctly, Bendel's wife and Linfante did something similar with "What the Kluck."
I could be mistaken, was it Bendel's wife involved in "What the Kluck" or some other prominent official's spouse that participated in that demonstration? I apologize if I misidentified the incorrect participants @ 9:04.
I don't know about Mrs. Bendel, but Mrs. Larry Lebowitz, and Ms. Linfante were protesting. Mr. "Save the Environment but turf Middle and Wildcat Fields" Papke was inside taking pictures. Mr. and Mrs. PennFuture advocates Labalme were asking for tickets to the the town hall. And of course, many of their children were carrying protest signs, including the infamous "What the Kluck?".
Hey, what's a good protest without bringing in the children, right?
Elaine
Dave Brumfield, I'm good with the above comment, yes?
Elaine
On a separate subject, but pertinent to the futility of RTK request and the formation of the SAB and artificial turf, Dave Franklin on 8/30/10 at 11:10 am, wrote the following in a comment re: the "What the Kluck" protest.
http://bloglebo.blogspot.com/2010/08/p-g-protest-peaceful-at-mt-lebanon.html?m=0
"Ann, are you suggesting that our elected officials can't meet privately with residents to discuss issues facing our community? For heaven's sake, I do it all the time. Pro school project SB members have had dozens of meetings with residents in their homes and elsewhere to discuss that project. I don't recall pickets. Steve Feller hosts regular coffee sessions and no one complains."
No one is suggesting these 'private' meetings are illegal, but only pointing out a lot of conversations and strategies could be worked on screened from the watchful eyes of the Sunshine Laws.
The point isn't about who was involved in either the town hall or the "What the Kluck" protest, but rather to make a statement that the park and fields belong to every resident of Mt. Lebanon, not just a few.
I happen to believe with the growing popularity of lacrosse/soccer we should have a regulation field for those sports. In my opinion fields shared between two ball diamonds, lined for three different sports is a ludicrous jumbled mess. Look at the overhead view offered at LeboTurf, it's crazy.
I support Ms. Fraasch's Robb Hollow plan in part. It cleans up an entry point to the community, offers the greatest amount of amenities for the largest number of people and potentially allows the municipality to divest itself of a financial albatros which could someday add development tax revenue which could be pumped into recreation or infrastructure maintenance.
Where I depart gfrom Ms. Fraasch's plan is doing it all at one time. Add one regulation lacrosse/soccer field (if the SAB wants it turfed then it is up to them to go the added expense) and then add the other amenities/updates in Fraasch's plans as money becomes available.
Just my opinion for what it is worth.
Dean Spahr
Mr. SAB at 8:45 AM, produce whatever evidence you used to make your statement "Proven Safe" on your pro-turf signs. I'm guessing that covers red-headed children and 8 year old girls with ponytails.
We're pretty tired of doing all the research for you thugs. Instead of peddling pro-turf signs to unsuspecting kids at Lincoln, why don't you provide US with some documentation for a change. Where's the toxicologist that you were to invite to your artificial turf presentation? There, I said the words "artificial turf" instead of "Field Enhancements." Where are your financial reports? I would like to see something in writing for a change.
The turf temps measured yesterday affect everyone, but I am sure that you will find something that you don't like about that too.
Elaine
Even if the kids are kept off the fields when it is too hot, the surrounding properties will suffer from increased temperatures from the heat island.
The EPA has an entire page devoted to mitigating the impact of heat islands but Mt Lebanon is knowingly creating one adjacent to residential properties.
Locally, synthetic turf that has been installed had a buffer between the synthetic turf and residential homes. Cedar Boulevard is not a buffer.
http://www.epa.gov/heatisland/index.htm
I think, Elaine that you are completely misreading 8:45s comment.
The fact that the turf temps affect everyone is exactly the point 8:45 was making. It doesn't matter if the users are high schoolers, red heads with pony tails, old men into softball or any other segment that might use the turf.
Heat has an adverse impact on each and every person engaging in athletic activities from babies to seniors, male or female.
Let's be civil and lets be respectful, Ms. Linfante, but you make an exception for your crude "What the Kluck?" Don't patronize the community. Follow your own standards and lead by example. You are a bully!
"A human being can only tolerate a variation of around 4°C in internal body temperature without physical and mental performances being impaired. It is well known that soccer players like in many other sports are at some time or other subjected to extreme weather conditions. The temperature of the climate the game is played in is all important and will affect body temperature and thus the ability to perform."
http://www.soccerperformance.org/specialtopics/temperature.htm
You see, it doesn't matter whether the athlete is young or old, the temperature changes evidenced in your simple experiment of the stadium turf show the possible impact turf heat may have on any athlete.
Whoever suggested civil disobedience, perhaps mixed with a little guerilla theater, was right on.
When The Newcomers threatened a lawsuit (public) and shutting down Washington Rd. to protest (guerilla theater), The Commission (even if momentarily) caved.
What this anti-turn movements needs is... a PUBLIC demonstration on the existing turf: (a) on a hot day; (b) with scientific experiments; (c) with scientists with data; and (d) with a young person who hurt themselves playing on artificial turf (and there are many out there).
Invite the public, the press. More press. Speak to the potential environmental and human disasters... throw in wasteful spending and sleazy pet-projects ... the movement will win.
1:52 I'm not even sure you have to go that far.
If the parking lots are full, the parents can't get their kids and themselves to the games. If it is a travel game the visiting parents are going to livid that they can't park at the field.
While this does unfIrly affect the kids once or twice, it is not the residents fault for it happening. It falls instead directly on the heads of the one track commissioners and SAB that are only interesred in their personal agenda and think the Cedar Blvd park/field is their domain.
Don't want this to happen commissioners... learn to listen and compromise.
1:52 if you are proposing demonstrating and disrupting an actual game by appearing on the field, I am not with you.
The whole excercise is to demonstrate that MWC/Dixon/Rec Ctr/Main Park belongs to each and every resident.
Yes, it is design to inflixt a hardship on sports groups, but no more so than the hardships the turf will inflict on taxpayers and nearby residents.
Forgetting the turf temp topic for just a second has anyone discussed the parking problems at the Rec Center in the moneths of Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec., Jan. and Feb.?
There have been many times while attempting to take in classes or meeting at the Rec Ctr., because of hockey tournaments or figure skating parking has been a problem. More than a few times I decided the heck with it and went home.
Now the SAB is planning to add more stress to the parking situation by adding lacrosse/soccer into the winter months with turf. Is this wise?
Yes, you're right, 3:02 PM. Parking is horrible there.
The SAB is also talking about adding an indoor facility in the same area.
2:23 PM, I don't think anyone said anything about going on the field and disrupting a game. Give us a break.
Elaine
Whoa, slow down there kemosahbee! No one accused anyone of plotting to go on the field and disrupt a game.
The key word in 2:23's comment was "IF". They wanted to be sure no one carried the - shall we call it "A Day Enjoying 'Watching' at Ball Game at WCM Fields" initiative way too far.
1:52 added the term "guerilla theater. Followed by: "When The Newcomers threatened a lawsuit (public) and shutting down Washington Rd. to protest (guerilla theater), The Commission (even if momentarily) caved.
What this anti-turn movements needs is... a PUBLIC demonstration on the existing turf...".
Shutting something down... "a public demonstration 'ON' existing turf," sure sounds like they could be plotting something more.
The idea of the 'Park-In' was to highlight to the commissioners, SAB, parents and residents that adding a field to another location would be the wiser idea. One would hope with the new pool parking will be at a premium in this central location. The SAB's "crown jewel" could quickly become Mt. Lebanon's 'Royal Pain in the Ass!'
Note: The 124 days over 75 are all, of course, during the youth sports playing seasons. Well, Captain Obvious, is that fact significant? Duh....maybe the playing fields will be at unreasonable and unsafe temps most of the time that they are in use due to the installation of artificial turf? Ya think?
How many soccer games did we play in December - March? Now you get the idea!
Is there a reason "the children" don't vote? Maybe they don't yet know enough about life and the way things work, maybe they are too sheltered from the cruel realities of money and taxes, maybe they are being protected from manipulative people.
How would the Turfies feel if someone handed out signs at the elementary and middle schools that said "Don't throw my grandma out of her house - No Artifical Turf!" So, reel in the inappropriate tactics, stop calling people names simply for asking questions and pointing out the inconvenient facts. Take a refresher on democracy while you're at it, you don't seem to get it.
Don't the Artificial Turf people understand that the seniors who are being taxed out of their homes are in the very families that the spendthrifts claim to represent? Silliness, or to quote our Secretary of State, "Baloney!"
To 6:16 it's not clear to me what you're saying or asking.
To be honest, I don't know how many soccer games were played between December - March. Probably none.
But I do seem to remember that it was presented that artificial turf would allow the snow to be removed from the turfed fields and that would extend practice for lacrosse and maybe soccer.
I think, though I don't have the 60% more games slot presentation in front of me, that they were assuming longer seasons with turf.
So... duh, name caller does that cover your comment?
6:29 the spendthrifts seem to believe that "disapppointment" is an emothion that only afflicts young children and parents that leave work early for rained out games.
They think it's ridiculous to believe seniors have any sentiments other than being cheap and hating children.
When did the newcomers threaten to shut down Washington Rd??? I think that is a bit of an exagerration.
Ask 1:52.
Actually, I can tell you from an insider's view that it is not an exaggeration -- it is an understatement. There were some in the group who wanted to take much more radical action than shutting down Washington Rd. in front of the Municipal Bldg.
What made The Newcomer's successful, at least at their peak, was the right balance between Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Meaning... there was enough passion/anger in the group to scare the image-minded Commission that this could get ugly... and enough dialogue-seekers to want to try and make a deal.
Such a balance is particularly helpful in a township such as this -- run by those looking to grow the façade in the name of continuing to grow their vapid aims. They value nothing more than their image. Realistically threaten that, and you can win.
New signs reading "NO TURF TAX" need to be created and put at every major intersection. When they are removed by the Muni, they'll need to be replaced daily. Essentially this is a tax if we're going to borrow for other capital improvements. I imagine the public, specifically those not within the heat island corridor will become more concerned. I will assist in funding these signs.
We should have had a protest out at Dick's when they announced their donation. That would have gotten the attention of the media. Pissed off many outside Mt Lebanon. And best given a black eye to this moronic commission. As for heat issues on turf... Now a certain commissioner is saying ok we'll enclose it and provide A/C. All that matters is my kid playing lacrosse!
I like to know which is more important to the commissioners... A new lacrosse field that is turfed OR seniors being able to live in their homes? People were rudely told to leave a commissioner alone because of her personal problems but laughed at, mocked and worse when they brought up our ever increasing taxes.
If our excellent commissioners reduce the heat with A/C and add an enclosure, then they increase the impact of the toxins on the kids.
Fieldturf and other related companies are working feverishly to develop gas collection systems for waste sites from synthetic turf and related environmental closures, and this one was just patented in 2013:
http://www.google.com/patents/US8585322
However, since the specs for Middle/Wildcat are only obtained through a $75 fee and the exact plans of the bidders are unknown, can we safely assume that the gases from this field won't be contained?
A SAB member was talking about plans for an indoor sports facility above the $4 million pool at First Friday the other day.
Elaine
We live above the fields and was wondering how to get temperature readings in our back yard. My son is 13 and suffers from a vast array of allergies and we and his Doctors are concerned over this folly. Is my kid less worthy than Brumfield's kid wish to play on turf? Brumfield and Crew take playing in the rain over his health? Dave I thought "Democrats Care"? About what? Lying
12:28 AM, I suggest that you come to the commission meeting tomorrow night at 8 PM and address your concerns during Citizen Comments. I can't ask those questions for you since Dave Brumfield has stated that he will not answer any of my questions or acknowledge my presence. I will be addressing four commissioners, nope strike that. I will be addressing three commissioners since I am also ignored by Kristen Linfante. I emailed the commission several times recently and have not gotten a response.
Yesterday, I emailed the commission asking John Bendel several questions. If I do get a response from him today, my guess is that I will have to ask the same questions during Citizen Comments to get complete answers. And there goes my five minutes again.
Elaine
IMHO the signs should say No MILLION DOLLAR Turf Tax! I think adding the words Million Dollar will get people's attention. So many residents in the community know nothing about this plan to turf the fields and the cost (tax) associated with it. The signs would be most effective on high traffic streets such as Washington Rd from Mtl Blvd to the Galleria. I would be happy to help fund the signs. Are there any readers who live on high traffic streets willing to put a sign in their yard?
6:16 on June 8 --if you think that is an answer, you demonstrate the problem --
Anybody test for lead? Cadmium?
"You measure what you treasure". So where is the data on youth athletic injuries sustained by Mt Lebanon students? How many have sustained concussions, heat injuries, torn ligaments, etc on the turf versus other surfaces, and in all?
9:55 where are the measures that our young athletes are suffering due to the lack of turf?
How do you justify a $1 million expenditure over much needed road and storm sewer maintenance?
Especially after two very successful lacrosse seasons!
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