Page 289 - BOXFORD

Haynes Field Project Crumb Rubber Assessment: As part of the artificial turf sports
field installation for the Haynes Field Project, the Board of Health assessed potential
safety issues associated with playing sports on crumb rubber artificial turf fields. The
health risk assessment focused on two main areas; 1) potential for heat stroke while
playing on artificial crumb rubber fields due to the increased temperature in sunlight
when compared with natural turf fields, and 2) potential acute and chronic human health
risks associated with exposure to chemicals (primarily polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons)
found in the crumb rubber particles. The Board reviewed multiple articles on crumb
rubber composition, temperature-dependent release rates, cancer risk assessment for the
chemical components, and safety review articles. In addition, the Board conducted an
analytical assessment of Haynes Field crumb rubber samples collected from the crumb
rubber batch prior to shipping from the manufacturer and also from the same batch once
it had arrived and was stored on site in Boxford. After thorough discussions on the safety
data associated with crumb rubber and the results of the crumb rubber analysis, the Board
decided to allow the Haynes Field Project to continue with installation of the crumb
rubber fields. Cautionary signs highlighting the safety concerns of the Board were
created and will be placed around the field to notify players and spectators of the
appropriate safety precautions.

Mosquito Borne Disease: A Board of Health (BOH) Mosquito Borne Disease Response
Protocol developed in 2012 to provide a quick response to early indications of spreading
Mosquito borne disease remained in effect through 2016. During 2016 there were no
incidences of mosquitos testing positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in
Boxford. In addition, there were no incidences of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Boxford or
surrounding towns. As a result, roadside spraying or barrier spraying was not conducted
by NEMCD during 2016. During the peak mosquito season, Boxford remained at a
“Low probability of locally acquired Human disease” for both Eastern Equine
Encephalitis and West Nile Virus.

Boxford is a member of the Northern Essex Mosquito Control District (NEMCD) which
weekly tests mosquito pools for EEE and WNV bearing mosquitoes. While no roadside
spraying was conducted in 2016, the BOH requested that NEMCD refrain from using
Duet® and instead use Zenivex® an adulticide with fewer concerns. NEMCD agreed to
comply with the Boxford BOH recommendation. NEMCD additionally works to
maintain wetland areas and reduce non-native mosquito habitat such as trash in and
nearby waterways. The option-out program which allows residents to option out of
roadside spraying through a certified letter sent to the Town Clerk or by replying to a
question on the annual town census card remained in effect through 2016.

Tick Borne Disease: The most prevalent tick borne disease in Massachusetts is Lyme
disease; over 3,000 cases were reported in 2015, a historically high rate. Incidence rates

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