En Español

May 9, 2008

Dear Families,

This afternoon, the City of Stamford Health Department recommended closing down the Astroturf field at Stamford High School’s Boyle Stadium until further notice. Two separate laboratory tests indicate the ten year old field contains nylon fibers with elevated levels of lead.

Health Director Dr. Johnnie Lee informs us that the potential for lead poisoning from users of the field is believed to be small. If there is any concern, a blood lead level test can be performed by your physician or by the Health Department Laboratory at 977-4399. Additional information is available at the New Jersey Department of Health website: http://www.state.nj.us/health/artificialturf/documents/qa.pdf

The City conducted the tests on Stamford High’s Astroturf field following concerns about Astroturf fields in New Jersey. As you may know, the City maintains other newer synthetic turf fields at Stamford High, Westhill High School, and Rippowam Middle School. Those fields are not Astroturf and there is no reason to believe they pose any health risk. However, as a precautionary measure, I have requested the City to test those fields as well.

The Astroturf field at Stamford High will remain closed until it can be tested and studied further by the Environmental Protection Agency. We realize this closure will impact many scholastic sporting events, but I think you will agree health and safety should always be our first concern.

If you have any health-related questions, please contact City of Stamford Epidemiologist, Dr. Kuo, at 977-4390.

If you have questions about your child’s athletic schedule, please contact your coach or event organizer.

Thank you for your concern and cooperation.

Sincerely,

Joshua P. Starr, Ed.D.

Superintendent of Schools