Experts Urge [It] to Be Considered as the Final Option

Artificial Grass Installation Raises Environmental Concerns in Australia

Artificial grass installation has become a growing trend in Australia, but it is now causing legitimate concerns and drawing public attention from environmental groups. According to The Guardian, the number of artificial turfs installed in New South Wales (NSW) has increased sixfold in the past five years alone.

The material used in artificial turf, often made of polypropylene fibers from tires and plastics, is starting to make its way into waterways and ecosystems in the region. The Australian Microplastics Assessment Project, conducted by the Total Environment Centre, has recommended stopping the installation of new turf fields in NSW until proper remediation measures are taken.

The environmental impacts of artificial turf are a major cause for concern. Preliminary stormwater testing revealed alarming results, with a single trap containing 70,000 particles of rubber crumb and over 50,000 particles of synthetic grass. Researchers have found that there is no effective way to contain the plastic runoff from the turf.

Moreover, when exposed to sunlight, the plastic in the turf breaks down and releases toxic chemicals and heavy metals into the ecosystem. Dr. Shima Ziajahromi from Griffith University’s Australian Rivers Institute explains that during rain events, these particles are washed off the turf and can harm aquatic ecosystems. Additionally, the release of these toxic chemicals has been linked to instances of brain cancer among baseball players. The turf also needs to be regularly watered to reduce the risk of burns from sliding on it.

To address these concerns, the European Union and several countries have already banned the use of crumb rubber in the construction of artificial turf. California in the United States has also taken steps to ban artificial turf containing harmful chemicals like PFAs.

Garnet Brownbill, spokesperson for the Natural Turf Alliance, criticizes the Australian government for investing funds in a plastic surface material that clearly pollutes, as highlighted by the report from the NSW chief scientist. Brownbill argues that synthetic turf should be the last resort, not the first choice.

As the concerns over artificial grass installation continue to grow, it is crucial to prioritize the preservation of the environment and explore alternative options that are more sustainable and less harmful to ecosystems and human health.

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