Thank you for your input and work on this.From: John Bendel <jbendel@mtlebanon.org>Date: June 12, 2014 7:56:41 AM EDTTo: Charlotte StephensonCc: Stephen Feller <sfeller@mtlebanon.org>, Commission <commission@mtlebanon.org>Subject: Re: Thursday evening forum - Toxicologist
Charlotte,At this point, less than 12 hours from the field meeting, I do not feel there is enough time for the municipality to contact and prepare for a new speaker that you may refer for tonight's meeting. I appreciate your willingness to search for someone and I encourage you to refer names to Steve Feller. I have shared my views with the Commission and a recommendation that we bring someone in to the next Commission discussion session.
_______________________________
Dear John,
So the question I would ask is whether studies have been done determining if any chemical constituents would be expected to leach out under usual outdoor conditions. I don't think this is likely, but it needs to be tested. If the turf would break up into small pieces that could be swallowed by a small child, then a legitimate question is whether any toxic chemicals might leach out and be absorbed in the acid pH of the child's stomach."
I am disheartened that you are unwilling to permit me the entire short window that I already was given to produce a credentialed and expert opinion on this issue. The audience that most likely will attend tonight's forum is the very audience that needs to hear credible feedback about this plan. Inviting an expert of caliber to a Commission meeting will have much less importance than what is necessary at tonight's forum. I made tremendous headway in a short period of time.
The Commission asked municipal staff, who have no scientific or public health background to my knowledge, to find an appropriate resource. As I understand it, Susan is a PIO, Laura works with her and Steve is our municipal manager. While they have honed their skills working in their capacities, they were not logical choices to research a speaker on this health and safety issue. Further, I don't believe that any of the Commissioners work in the public health arena as well.
John, I realize that service on the Commission is a time consuming effort and most of you are juggling day jobs. That, however, is absolutely no excuse for not serving the health and safety concerns of this community to the best of one's ability. This is one of the most important responsibilities that you are your associates have been given! The reality is that you passed this important matter off to staff unfairly given the late notice and their limited knowledge base so of course, no positive results were achieved.
That being said, since I left the Commission Chamber on Tuesday evening at 11:00 PM, I have obtained an opinion from Dr. Bernard Goldstein. He is a former Dean of the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, an environmental toxicologist whose research interests have focused largely on the concept of biological markers in the field of risk assessment. He has published in the areas of blood toxicity, the formation of cancer-causing substances (free radicals) following exposure to inhalants and global issues in environmental medicine. He is a previous chair of the department of environmental and community medicine at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School where he established the Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute in addition to his service as an officer with the U.S. Public Health Service and as an administrator for research and development at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. His medical degree is from New York University. In his response to my inquiry late this morning, he wrote and I boldfaced the key points....
"Dear Ms Stephenson
Sorry not to have been responsive but am at a meeting related to the Gulf Oil spill and won't be back until next week...As I understand it, the concern is whether any of the components are able to leach out of the artificial turf or be torn up in small enough particles to be inhaled or eaten by a child. I was involved in a study of an artificial turf at Giants Stadium, but the concern ended up being due to something that had been inappropriately sprayed on to the turf rather than the turf itself which was judged to be harmless - and the turf we studied in the 1990s may well be different from the one being used in Mt Lebanon
So the question I would ask is whether studies have been done determining if any chemical constituents would be expected to leach out under usual outdoor conditions. I don't think this is likely, but it needs to be tested. If the turf would break up into small pieces that could be swallowed by a small child, then a legitimate question is whether any toxic chemicals might leach out and be absorbed in the acid pH of the child's stomach."
Additionally, in less than 24 hours I have connected with Dr. James Fabisiak, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Environmental & Occupational Health
University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health
He wrote the following late this morning:
"Dear Ms. Stephenson,
I've seen your correspondence here with Dr. Goldstein regarding artificial turf. Attached I have provided a very brief synopsis of what I know about artificial turf which you may find helpful. It presents 3 research articles and 1 review article on the subject. I provided the reference, link to full text when available, abstract (with highlights I added) and my interpretation. It is clear that since artificial turf is rubber-derived in large part it will contain certain amounts of some chemicals with hazardous potential. Most notably organic hydrocarbons of great variety and metals. However, it appears that consensus is that overall systemic exposure to most to these will be very low and probably of little concern. Much is this is derived by looking at dissolution in various biological fluids like sweat or gastric juice which adds to strength to the conclusions and helps address Dr. Goldstein's point about stomach pH etc.. The one exception seems to be Lead which of course has toxic potential, especially in young children. Turf material seem to vary widely in lead content and also may reflect the use of paints or pigments in addition to the rubber itself. Modern products may be available that are certified to be low-lead or lead-free and maybe one can insist that these be used in your playground. Now you mentioned that you yourself suffer from asthma (as does my son). It is important that realize that much less work has been done in regarding the respiratory effects in these sensitive groups, so I think it prudent to at least acknowledge that potential risks in these individuals contains a little more uncertainty....I hope you find this helpful. It is far from comprehensive, but I only learned to your concerns a few hours ago. I'm sorry I cannot attend your meeting this evening (I have other plans and the notice is short)..."
I've seen your correspondence here with Dr. Goldstein regarding artificial turf. Attached I have provided a very brief synopsis of what I know about artificial turf which you may find helpful. It presents 3 research articles and 1 review article on the subject. I provided the reference, link to full text when available, abstract (with highlights I added) and my interpretation. It is clear that since artificial turf is rubber-derived in large part it will contain certain amounts of some chemicals with hazardous potential. Most notably organic hydrocarbons of great variety and metals. However, it appears that consensus is that overall systemic exposure to most to these will be very low and probably of little concern. Much is this is derived by looking at dissolution in various biological fluids like sweat or gastric juice which adds to strength to the conclusions and helps address Dr. Goldstein's point about stomach pH etc.. The one exception seems to be Lead which of course has toxic potential, especially in young children. Turf material seem to vary widely in lead content and also may reflect the use of paints or pigments in addition to the rubber itself. Modern products may be available that are certified to be low-lead or lead-free and maybe one can insist that these be used in your playground. Now you mentioned that you yourself suffer from asthma (as does my son). It is important that realize that much less work has been done in regarding the respiratory effects in these sensitive groups, so I think it prudent to at least acknowledge that potential risks in these individuals contains a little more uncertainty....I hope you find this helpful. It is far from comprehensive, but I only learned to your concerns a few hours ago. I'm sorry I cannot attend your meeting this evening (I have other plans and the notice is short)..."
I telephoned Dr. Fabisiak to clarify some points just a little while ago. He recommended sampling the product you are purchasing and having it evaluated in a laboratory for the chemical content, particularly the lead content. He mentioned having read some information last week about increased ACL injuries on artificial turf surfaces and that the products vary from supplier to supplier.
In summary, in the unfairly dictated short window of time you gave me, you now have on record two local and qualified experts who recommend laboratory testing evaluation of the product you are purchasing for our children. You simply cannot afford to ignore this recommendation. Please inform me as to your action plan so I understand that you are performing your duties responsibly.
Thank You,
Charlotte Stephenson
29 comments:
"Wisely and slow; they stumble that run fast." — William Shakespeare
You'd think Mt. Lebanon would have learned by their hasty mistakes, like the Twin Hills and McNeilly purchases. Pray that in 8 years we don't regret this boondoggle!
At least with a prominent and costly memorial, it'll be easy to remember whom to blame.
Mr. Bendel's reply confirms that the commission has put this event together as a front to rally support for artificial turf, and not to consider the technical merits of toxicity, or anything else. They will not hear anything that does not suit their predetermined view. It is a sad day for Mt. Lebanon when our elected leaders are so openly resistant to rational dialogue. We need leadership with the ability to hear and weigh facts before making important public decisions. Unfortunately we lack leadeership in the face of issues that have enduring consequences.
They want artificial turf, they don't want an expert!
"Field Turf, the largest artificial turf manufacturer in North America, sells a lead-free artificial turf, but only if the communityasks for the custom-made field. The fields that most communities purchase use lead to brighten the field's colors and for a sport team logo."
http://www.momsteam.com/health-safety/turf-wars-pros-and-cons-of-artificial-turf
I guess we can assume that no other turf products other than FieldTurf be accepted?!
No one else makes artificial turf?
Susan Morgans keeps forgetting to use the words "artificial turf."
Here is today's LeboALERT sent at 12:29 PM today.
"This is an important notice from LeboALERT.
Wildcat/Middle field update meeting tonite, Mellon Auditorium, 7-8:30. Panel
will speak, then address written questions from audience."
There is a method to their madness. If there were three or more commissioners on the panel, the quorum would make this a public meeting, requiring them to have public comment. Instead, Bend it With Bendel can weed out those pesky written questions submitted by the audience.
Elaine
Face it, Lebo: the health and safety of children living here is not even an afterthought among our public officials.
To the young parents out there: don't even consider a field sport for your children. Once your child begins to play one, it's traumatic extracting them.
Artificial turf is the cigarette of the next generation.
I can find at least 6 manufacturers.
• Geofill
• Act Global (claims to be one of world's largest manufacturers)
• XGrass
• AstroTurf
• FieldTurf
• ProTurf
Attendees of tonight's forum might want to read the following.
http://www.stma.org/sites/stma/files/STMA_Synthetic_Guide_2nd_Edition.pdf
And this is an extremely interesting article: http://www.northjersey.com/mobile/opinion/artificial-turf-manufacturers-are-acting-like-big-tobacco-1.731950?page=all
"Artificial turf manufacturers are acting like Big Tobacco
February 27, 2014, 9:57 AM"
Section 318 of the Municipal Code states: "Citizens' Right To Be Heard"
"The Commission shall provide reasonable reasonable opportunity for interested citizens and taxpayers to address the Commission on matters of general or special concern. The opportunity shall be afforded the public at the regular or adjourned meeting of the Commission or at a special meeting."
Since the municipality is footing the $11,000 bill for this "special meeting" and it will be attended by paid municipal employees or contractors shouldn't residents be afforded the opportunity to address Mr. Bendel?
Mrs. Fraasch, you have a direct and expedient link to the solicitor for an opinion from the municipal solicitor on the above question that requires an answer before 7:00pm.
Kelly Fraasch is unable to attend tonight's meeting. She cannot help us with this one.
Elaine
Wasn't asking for her to attend, only that she ask the solicitor for an official ruling on whether the code requires that rrsidents and taxpayers be afforded the right to ask questions directly to Commissioner Bendel in this special meeting.
I forwarded your comment to Phil Weis and asked him to weigh in with the commissioners about this. Kelly is not available.
Elaine
I am at Mellon and Kristen just announced that there will be no Q & A.
I went up to Steve Feller earlier this evening and said that since there are 4 commissioners present, we should be allowed to ask questions. He said that the solicitor said no.
Elaine
Huh! Dan Deiseroth just showed a flooding picture from my blog! It appears that flooding occurs on Dixon but never Middle or Wildcat.
David Donnellan also told us that the plans were shared with the ESB and other boards. You may or may not hear people saying that he is lying. David said, No, I'm not."
Elaine
Elaine, good work on the updates. Please keep them coming for those of us who couldn't attend.
McNitt has emphasized that he is not a toxicologist. He said we should be more concerned about tire dust from roads. There are also chemicals in strawberries and organic tomatoes.
He also said that there is no such thing as heat islands.
Forgot to say this earlier in the presentation, but coaches claimed that kids want to play as early as February and late as December.
Elaine
This is being recorded and I hope to upload the podcast by tomorrow morning on lebocitizens.com
Now, they are going through the index cards. I would say that most of the audience is against the project. Dave Franklin, Brumfield, Linfante, and Silverman appear to be the only ones in the audience who are in favor of the turf.
Elaine
As a former High School Varsity baseball player I can tell you that W/C field floods and has flooded. I have some problems with kids playing baseball with metal bats on a turfed field. The ball moves much faster and that will end with more injuries. Then you have the issue of the dirt infields in the lacrosse/soccer field. This will be at differing heights and another issue with injuries. And my BIG concern... That these morons will AGAIN raise taxes. They cut our garbage and now look at what we got... My garbage is still sitting at the curb! Last week the garbage truck looked as if it was going to fall apart. Are we in Detroit?
1:49 I believe that they are planning to turf the infield base pads areas in the ballfields with dirt colored grass.
I'm told this is the setup at the Wild Things Park in Washington.
Sounds like 1:49AM is jealous he never had the chance to play on a turf field.
11:49, yep... sure... that's it!
Every aspiring ball player in America longs to play on ground-up rubber tires and Putt-Putt Golf-like plastic grass.
Here's what the head grounds keeper says about what may be the premier ball park in the nation.
http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081014&content_id=3619805&fext=.jsp&c_id=pit
"While the lifespan of a Major League Baseball playing surface is typically four to eight years, it is important that PNC Park remains the best ballpark in America in every respect," said Pirates president Frank Coonelly. "We are committed to giving our fans the best in terms of ballpark amenities, customer service and atmosphere for watching a ballgame and giving our players the finest working conditions in baseball. Our three-year old field was still among the better playing surfaces in baseball, but our commitment to our fans and to our players is excellence -- and our new field will meet that high standard."
The new grass surface will be comprised of a Tuckahoe Bluegrass sod, which is a mix of four different kinds of Kentucky Bluegrass -- 40 percent P105 Kentucky Bluegrass, 20 percent Midnight Star Kentucky Bluegrass, 20 percent Brilliant Kentucky Bluegrass and 20 percent overseeded Moonlight Kentucky Bluegrass -- and was chosen because of its high quality pedigree that is ideal for Northern cities such as Pittsburgh.
The turf was hand-picked by Pirates director of field operations Manny Lopez and field maintenance supervisor Derek Hurlburt from a sod farm in New Jersey after visiting several farms in the Northeast and Midwest.
The infield dirt, also known as the "skin", will be replaced as well with new, darker dirt called Dura Edge All-Star Infield Mix. The mix, which will make for a smoother, truer infield, is a blend of several different kinds of dirt.
"The new infield mix is coming to us from a local company in Slippery Rock, Pa., called Natural Sand Company," said Lopez. "This mixture has been created exclusively for PNC Park, so it will be unlike any other infield surface in Major League Baseball."
Finally, the warning track, which is the 18-foot wide, dark red area that borders the entire field where the playing surface meets the wall, will be replaced with new crushed lava rock.
According to Coonelly, the design of the infield will be modified to include unique baselines and first- and third- base and home-plate cutouts, which will provide both functional and aesthetic improvements to the layout.
Consistent with their "Let's Go Bucs. Let's Go Green." campaign, the Pirates have worked closely with the City of Pittsburgh Public Works Department to ensure that the old field surface does not go to waste. The city will recycle all of the old dirt and sod by using it at different baseball fields and parks throughout the city which are in need of upgrades."
I'm sorry to have to say this-- but you sound lkie a fool.
Cooperstown Dreams Park is a natural grass field, 11:49. You really do live in your own little bubble, don't you?
http://www.cooperstowndreamspark.com/thepark.html
"Cooperstown Dreams Park offers our players a chance to succeed, to savor their moment in the spotlight and to feel the excitement of success. We promote a healthy spirit of competition, while at the same time always maintaining traditional values and integrity of the game. Many coaches and parents have described their week at Dreams Park as the highlight of their child's life. It is that spirit that has made Cooperstown Dreams Park the "Crown Jewel of Youth Baseball." We take pride in keeping the tradition of America's game, baseball, in its purest form."
With Wildcat/Middle Fields pretty much turned over to lacrosse and soccer, what field will be dedicated to high school baseball and softball?
Yep, 11:49 everybody just wants to play on artificial turf.
You're so smart and professional soccer players are so dumb.
http://www.canada.com/mobile/iphone/story.html?id=9659898
"“A lot of the research that’s looked at this issue has used injury reports … But experiencing more soreness isn’t picked up in those traditional reports because even though a player is more fatigued, they’re still able to participate,” said Constantine Poulos, the study’s principal investigator.
“If a resounding amount of these players say they experience these issues after playing on artificial turf, I don’t think that’s to be ignored.”
The study draws on 99 players from six teams competing in MLS – North America’s highest level of pro soccer – during the 2011 season. Questionnaires were used to assess perceptions of arena surfaces, with a focus on natural grass versus third-generation and fourth-generation artificial turf.
Even as 70 per cent of pro players in York’s study felt that risk of contact injuries was comparable on both grass and turf, 80 per cent said the risk of non-contact injuries was higher on synthetic surfaces. Overall, 94 per cent cited turf as being the likelier surface of the two to increase the chances of getting hurt.
“They said it was too hard, too stiff, too unforgiving. They felt as though there was more friction – if their foot got caught, it wouldn’t dig itself up like it would in grass – and that it caused them to expend too much energy, as if they were running on sand,” said Poulos, an assistant strength and conditioning coach at York, who conducted the study as part of his graduate thesis in kinesiology."
1:49 am. I'd say we are a cousin of Detroit because corruption has settled into Mt Lebanon and everything appears to be going downhill.
The garbage/recycling "savings" is a prime example of our commission's leadership. We are "saving" on the inept service delivery so we can create a toxic waste dump. These new fools that collect our trash can't stay out of school zones during drop-off time by clogging up pedestrian and vehicular traffic, manage to skip entire sections of Mt Lebanon and probably get lost on the way to the dump. But HECK, we have "saved" so that we can buy a synthetic turf field -- we should be celebrating our new status as cousins of Detroit. Dave Brumfield, you sure are some kind of mastermind! How are you going to find your way out of hell?
Are you sure this isn't a strategy 7:06?
Several more months of inept garbage collection and taxpayers will be clamoring and more than willing to pay for anything different... PAYT, higher fees, loading your own trash into the truck, etc.
11:32 PM, to avoid Brumfield from suing me, could you resubmit your comment and not mention his ___?
You see, we have to be mindful of his___, but not the other way around.
I wish someone would sue him since he doesn't give a rat's ass about anyone else's ___.
Elaine
You know what's really funny about the commission's argument that we cannot have a resident toxicologist comment on synthetic turf because of BIAS?
Because BIAS is the foundation of a MAJOR complaint against this commission. Everything they have done in 2013 reflects not just "reasonable suspicion of bias" but outright obvious BIAS.
The lacrosse attorney coach commissioner (LACC) is the most obviously BIASED. He affiliates with other lacrosse coaches, the lacrosse organization and a lacrosse business that stands to gain by the installation of synthetic turf in Mt Lebanon.
Previously, the LACC's affiliates have had to "rent" field space in other locations for their athletic undertakings. But now due to LACC's biased voting, advocacy, and other suspected undertakings designed to minimize municipal spending on other projects and services, they will have their synthetic turf installed and paid for primarily with taxpayer money on municipal park land. The LACC has a position of public authority and public trust, combined with a duty to act judicially whenever he makes decisions that affect people's rights or interests in Mt. Lebanon.
The LACC can't define FAIRNESS because all of his actions are UNFAIR and BIASED against the majority of Mt Lebanon.
You nailed it, my friend.
Elaine
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