Associated Press, September 3, 2008

OAKLAND, Calif.-California's attorney general and an environmental group are
suing to block the sale of artificial grass that contains lead.

The two lawsuits claim that six synthetic-turf manufacturers have failed to
warn the public about exposure to dangerous amounts of the toxic metal from fake
green grass found at athletic fields and other spaces.

Attorney General Jerry Brown and the Center for Environmental Health filed
the complaints Tuesday in Alameda County Superior Court.

The suits say lead is a carcinogen that can cause neurological damage.

Annie Costa of the Association of Synthetic Grass Installers says the
industry is already starting to reformulate artificial turf products because of
the health concerns.