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UNH Field Closed Due To High Lead Levels

DURHAM, N.H. (AP) — The University of New Hampshire has shut down an athletic field with artificial turf because of high lead levels.

University officials say Memorial Field, which is used for field hockey, lacrosse and graduation ceremonies, was shut down immediately Saturday after the school was advised that the turf had degraded to the point where measurable lead levels has been detected in dust samples.

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services said the lead levels don't present a high risk to adults, but that children 6 and under shouldn't be allowed on the field.

The turf was installed in 2002 and was scheduled to be replaced in the upcoming fiscal year. School officials say they are now developing an earlier timeline to replace the turf.

 

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.

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