US ballpark closed 'due to radium contamination'

A ball park in Staten Island has been closed for the forthcoming spring season after testing positive for radium contamination, it has been reported.

Playing fields in Great Kills Park, where a contractor located radium-contaminated soil in January, will remain closed to the public, said the National Park Service.

A recent survey of the land conducted by US Department of Health and Human Services concluded that as the contaminated soil lies some 12 inches underground, there is no significant threat to humans.

However, for precautionary measures, the ball park will remain closed off until a second survey of the land is undertaken in the future, reported SILive.com.

Meanwhile, baseball enthusiasts will be able to practice their game in nearby fields, provided by the city's Department of Parks and Recreation.

In similar news, stuff.co.nz reported this week that families in New Zealand have been urged not to let their children play outdoors until properties rented out by Lincoln University were declared free of lead contamination.