AJE knows that there is no amount of lead that is recognized as safe by the American Academy of Pediatrics.  AJE also knows that parent and community voice is a vital part of the policy creation process, especially in matters of education, public health and the needs of children with special health care needs.  Therefore, we are also happy to share this opportunity for parents and other members of the community to learn more about playground safety.

You’re invited to a Community Forum Monday, July 29 at 7 pm!

Recent media reports have shown dangerously high lead levels on DC-area playgrounds and playing fields made from synthetic materials, such as shredded tires. These playgrounds and fields can be dangerously hot, dangerously hard, and made with no fewer than 13 carcinogens. Recent testing shows high levels of lead at several local school playgrounds, including Takoma, Truesdell, and Janney.

Join us for a panel discussion and Q & A on Monday, July 29 at 7 pm with Dr. Alexander Wooten from Morgan State University, Dr. Diana Zuckerman from the National Center for Health Research, and Dr. Jeff Gearhart from the Ecology Center. Details and registration here.

This forum promises to be an enlightening and thought-provoking discussion of importance to the media as well as parents, grandparents, policy makers, and people who care about our environment.

In addition to a broad overview, the panel will answer specific questions regarding the Ecology Center’s recent findings of high lead on the playgrounds at Takoma, Truesdell, and Janney.

For more information, Here is an open letter to the DC government on synthetic turf and poured in place playgrounds.

Here is background information on lead on playgrounds in DC.

The National Center for Health Research is a nonprofit think tank that has scientifically analyzed the evidence regarding artificial turf and playgrounds, and testified before the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, DC legislators, Maryland legislators, and Connecticut legislators.  To learn more, check out our website at www.center4research.org and write “tire” in the search box, to see some of the articles and letters we’ve written on the topic.