Lead Contaminates Playground In Prince George's County: Officials

Bowie MD

09 March, 2021

10:43 PM

Description

RIVERDALE PARK, MD — A playground in Prince George's County failed its lead inspection, officials announced Monday. The Department of Parks and Recreation immediately closed the play area, located outside Riverdale Elementary School, while it repairs the facility. Doctors warn that lead is a dangerous toxin, especially for children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said lead exposure can: Damage the brain and nervous systemSlow growth and developmentCause learning and behavior issuesCreate hearing and speech troubles The park was one of 54 inspected during a review of sites with squishy, protective flooring, known as poured-in-place rubber surfacing. There are no lead standards for rubberized play surfaces, but officials decided to follow the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's recommended maximum of 0.04 percent lead. Independent contractor Air, Land and Water Engineering took multiple samples from each site. The Riverdale Park playground was the only one that did not pass its inspection. Parks and Recreation posted closure notices on the entrance to the play area. It will tear up the rubber surfacing and replace it with safer wood fibers. The department will retest the location before its reopening. Officials also indicated that they will update their playground surfacing standards. "The Department remains committed to providing transparent information to the community,"Parks and Recreation Director Bill Tyler said in a press release. "We continue to work to ensure that all of our parks and recreation spaces are safe for residents and visitors." Have a story idea? Please contact me at [email protected] with any pitches, tips or questions. Follow me on Twitter @JacobBaumgart and on Facebook @JacobBaumgartJournalist to stay up-to-date with the latest Anne Arundel County and Prince George's County news.