Lead Contaminates Playground In Prince George's County: Officials

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 system
• Slow growth and development
• Cause learning and behavior issues
• Create 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.”

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