Sun Bowl Turf Shows High Lead Levels

A turf transplant at the Sun Bowl follows stern health warnings this week. Tests show toxic lead levels in the kind of turf being played on at the Sun Bowl.The suspected turf is called "astro-play."

UTEP Athletic Directors say the astro-play turf has been used at the Sun Bowl for the past 6-years. The University says the news about excessive lead levels coincides with plans to replace the existing turf this Spring.

"Right now, our football team isn't playing on it so it's really not an issue and since we're replacing it with new turf, it's going to be a moot point as well," said Brian Wickstrom, Associate Athletic Director for UTEP.

Hundreds of football fields across Texas are now being tested to see if they contain excessive levels of lead.