A Walk in the Park: Heat Advisory - Playground and Artificial Turf Warning

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Heat Advisory - Playground and Artificial Turf Warning

William Casson - 18 months, burned at Catbird Playground - Carl Schurz Park - Man. Each year more than a dozen children are treated in the City's three burn centers for injuries suffered on playground safety surfacing. The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for New York City today from 11 a.m. this morning to 7 p.m. this evening. Today will be sunny and hot with highs in the upper 90s and the heat index is expected up to 104 degrees. (Photo: Courtesy - NYC Park Advocates)

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 21, 2012

Media Contact:

Geoffrey Croft

NYC Park Advocates

(212) 987-0565

Playground and Artificial Turf Warning •

Heat Advisory As Park Surface Temperatures Rise •

Artificial Turf Fields Can Top Over 170 Degrees - Playground Burns Take Seconds

(June 21 , 2012 - Manhattan) Surface temperatures taken in City parks can reach more than 170 degrees, according to readings taken by NYC Park Advocates. Artificial turf fields can reach at over 170 degrees, (image below) Temperatures on black rubber playground safety surfacing can reach over 160 degrees. By 9:15 am temperatures on artificial turf fields can reach over 140 degrees. Park users are advised to exercise extreme precautions in our city's playgrounds and artificial turf playing fields during this hot weather.

Young children are particularly susceptible as it can take only two seconds to burn on solid surfaces greater than 140 degrees, according to doctors. Each year more than a dozen children are treated in the City's three burn centers for injuries suffered on playground safety surfacing.

This figure does not include children treated for burns in emergency rooms in local hospitals. Despite years of parents calling for the city to address this public health and safety issue, the city continues to install products that reach dangerous temperatures in warmer weather. The Parks Department spends tens of millions of dollars on playground renovations annually, but to date it does not test materials for the heat they may generate. The city relies on safety standards, in part, created by the American Society for Testing Materials, (ASTM) which also does not test for heat. The Consumer Product Safety Commission does not require testing either.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for New York City today from 11 a.m. this morning to 7 p.m. this evening. Today will be sunny and hot with highs in the upper 90s and heat index is expected up to 104 degrees. Today is the first full day of Summer.

Precautions must be taken by the public in order to avoid certain health risks. Exposure to playground safety surfacing can lead to severe burns and blisters. Exposure to artificial turf can lead to blisters, dehydration, nausea, and heat stroke, which can lead to death.

With the temperature expected to reach triple digits across the City again today, NYC Park Advocates offers the following tips:

1. Avoid playgrounds with black safety surfacing, unless they have complete shade coverage.

2. Avoid metal surfaces like slides.

3. Avoid artificial turf fields in the sun.

4. Drink lots of liquids.

5. Use spray showers, pools and water features.

6. Seek shade.

7. Participate in non-strenuous activities.

In case of emergencies, seek immediate medical treatment, or call 911.