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determined that inhalation or ingestion of this material is dangerous. High levels of lead were <br /> found in the older fields studied, which if inhaled or ingested can cause adverse health effects <br /> including developmental delay and behavior problems. <br /> The CDC also stated "The risk for harmful lead exposure is low from new fields with elevated <br /> lead levels in their turf fibers because the turf fibers are still intact and the lead is unlikely to be <br /> available for harmful exposures to occur." They also added that "At this time, CDC does not <br /> yet understand the potential risks associated with exposure to dust from worn artificial turf." <br /> The June 2008 CDC Health advisory does not recommend discontinued use of synthetic turf <br /> facilities, but instead recommends precautions for the field manager and the user. <br /> Alternative infill options have not been found. The use of recycled tire material appears to be <br /> standard in the industry. Each manufacturer claims that its product is "safe" and installations <br /> continue to occur all over the country. UNC recently replaced the turf on its Fetzer Field with a <br /> product containing recycled rubber tire infill. <br /> It seems likely that these products can be safely used with responsible management and with <br /> a commitment to replacement close to warranty expiration, which is typically 8-10 years. <br /> Continued use often occurs well beyond the expiration of manufacturers' warranty periods. It <br /> would seem prudent that testing should be undertaken at this point to determine whether the <br /> infill products or the turf itself is breaking down to the point that it might pose a health hazard. <br /> Replacement costs typically run about half of the cost of the original installation. <br /> Potential Benefits <br /> Showing Results from the 2001 Parks and Open Space Bond —As recently noted, the <br /> Soccer Superfund is one of the projects from the 2001 bond where funding remains unspent. <br /> A portion of the funds was allocated and has been spent on the West Ten fields. Using the <br /> remaining funds for the most viable project that is closest to shovel ready would benefit the <br /> soccer community. <br /> Possible Town Involvement - Either project would require full approvals and partnerships to <br /> some degree with the respective town. <br /> Possible Options for Remaining Soccer Superfund Money <br /> 1. Provide a Soccer Superfund Grant of $625,000 to the Town of Chapel Hill for the <br /> Cedar Falls project. The transfer of funds would not occur until the conditions of the <br /> grant application as determined by the BOCC were met. <br /> 2. Allocate $625,000 for the development of one or two synthetic surface soccer fields at <br /> Smith Middle School. Determine source(s) of additional funding required to complete <br /> the project. <br /> 3. Reserve remaining Soccer Superfund money for Twin Creeks or the next soccer project <br /> ready for development. <br /> Commissioner Nelson asked about a turf field versus a Bermuda field in terms of cost and <br /> Lori Taft said that a turf field would cost $850,000 and Bermuda would cost $500,000. <br />