There are new chemical products being developed that seemed to be a great idea at the time but now the picture is different. The classic example is plastic. It is an essential product these days but the need to manage its use is now urgent especially the hidden presence of products like microplastics. Another example is PFAS chemicals.
The use of synthetic turf has the risks of PFAS and microplastics on top of all the other problems such as excessive heat and disruption to the natural environment.
PFAS was once used with gay abandon for products like fire-fighting foam, stain resistant fabrics and non-stick saucepans, but now these groups of chemicals, dubbed the ‘forever’ chemicals are a great cause for concern.
PFAS are a group of manufactured chemicals that have been used since the 1940s because of their useful properties. One common characteristic of concern of PFAS is that many break down very slowly and can build up in people, animals and the environment over time.
Current scientific research suggests that exposure to certain PFAS may lead to adverse health outcomes such as certain cancers, reduction in immune system function, raised cholesterol levels and development delays in children. Click here for a more information.
Research is ongoing but there is now enough concern for the Australian and NSW governments to initiate inquiries. High levels of PFAS have been found in the dam at Medlow Bath that has been supplying water for Blue Mountains residents. It is believed the source may be from foam used to extinguish a fire from a petrol tanker rollover that happened 32 years ago!
The Chief Scientist’s report into the use of synthetic turf on playing fields identified the risk of PFAS use in the production of synthetic turf. It has been used to reduce deterioration from exposure to the sun. Testing has not been carried out on turf imported into Australia.
Microplastics are shed from synthetic turf when the ‘grass’ blades break as they age and with general use. Rubber tyre granules have been used as infill between the blades to keep the grass blades upright. There are measures taken to capture the microplastics that are washed off the field by rain, collected on players shoes and clothing or simply blown away by wind. But there is increasing evidence of health risks to players and the environment from these microplastics. So much so that many countries are banning the use of rubber crumb infill. Natural products such as cork are being use instead but their efficacy is yet to be confirmed.
Recently the surface of the synthetic turf field at Chatswood High School has deteriorated with players’ boots being caked in a mix of plastic grass blades and infill. Clearly we need the government to provide definitive advice on the use of synthetic turf so that councils can make the right decisions about their playing fields.
The Natural Turf Alliance keeps up-to-date on research on these concerns and responses worldwide. Their website has links to lots of information.