'Problems & Solutions' discusses Organite AMI (Anti-microbial infill), as well as albedo, insolation and lay-over of artificial turf.
FOR ECO-SAFE TURF PRODUCTS AND DESIGNS CALL: 866-771-TURF OR GO TO
Hi, I’m Seymour Clearly.
It seems that many of those genuinely concerned with the environmental and ecological safety of artificial turf are choosing to throw-out the baby with the bathwater. What is not understood -- is that the engineering and technology exists, today, to completely eliminate these perceived risks. Instead of relying on the dubious science of typical artificial turf design and construction, FieldShield accesses engineering and material science know-how to provide innovative solutions through unique products and services…but first we had to recognize the problems!
Problem #2: Most synthetic grass filaments or their pigment recipes contain trace amounts of heavy metals. The source of these chemicals is more the pigments used rather than the filament polymer, especially if the base polymer is a polyethylene. As with toys, the country of origin can affect the heavy metal content. Also, some colors, e.g., canary yellow, tend to contain more heavy metals than other colors. The question is: does the synthetic turf expose users to harmful levels of such chemicals through contact, inhalation or run-off.
Solution#2: Eliminate the possibility of any type of harmful exposure, by choosing a filament yarn and color with extremely low trace amounts of heavy metals. They are available. This requires a certification or “heavy metal statement” from the yarn manufacturer (not the turf purveyor)
pertaining to the specific lots of yarn used on a site. A certification or statement is necessary for each color and lot of the filament polymer delivered to the job site and must be provided by the original manufacturer. FieldShield can provide such a certification, as can any bone fide turf
company supplied by yarn manufacturers with eco-safe yarns.
Problem#3: The infill matrix (1/2” depth in EcoGreen66™ – 1.75” for most standard turf designs) can be a Petri dish for the propagation of bacteria, fungi and mold. This growth is more likely to occur in the lower depth of the infill where temperatures are moderated by the insulative effect of the upper level rubber and where moisture collects on the backing and in lower level infill. In infilled systems, where the higher specific gravity of the sand causes it to stratify at the bottom, the moisture and nutrients held by the sand tend to promote mold growth at the backing-see TYPICAL BACTERIA REPORT. Also, OSHA mandates a WARNING LABEL (for typical sand containing silica).
Solution#3: Organite is an anti-microbial infill (AMI), which virtually eliminates the growth of bacteria, fungi and mold in the infill depth. Every granule of Organite is factory-coated with Aegis MicrobeShield to provide full, durable, anti-microbial protection throughout the full depth of the infill matrix.
