In some artificial turfs, lead chromate was used as a green pigment, because it resists fading in sunlight.

Kennedy said he researched the issue, including documentation on the turf installed three years ago at Salina Stadium and found that the turf was made of polypropolene, not the nylon associated with the lead cases.

Kennedy said he still thought it prudent to have the turf checked and had a sample sent to New Jersey-based EMSL Analytical, which has been doing much of the testing in the New Jersey area.

A report from the company said any lead content in the turf was below their lab's ability to detect, which is 4.3 milligrams per kilogram -- or 4.3 parts per million.

The EPA says lead levels in soil above 400 parts per million are considered a hazard, and lead is naturally present in soil in a range of 15 to 40 ppm.

"Our turf is polypropolene, which is considered safe, and our results show that," Kennedy said. "We're comfortable. I'm glad we did the sampling."

n Reporter Mike Strand can be reached at 822-1418 or by e-mail at mstrand@salina.com.