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In recent times in China there have been growing concerns about the safety of artificial sports pitches and running tracks. There have been problems reported in Beijing, Suzhou, Wuxi, Nanjing, Changzhou, Shenzhen, Shanghai and Hebei. Now this week the issue has surfaced in Hong Kong according to the SCMP.

“Five Hong Kong schools run by the English Schools Foundation have closed their artificial sports pitches due to safety concerns over chemicals exceeding international health standards,” the Post claims.

Artificial pitches have become more and more common in recent times across China. They have several advantages over traditional grass pitches. Maintenance costs are much lower, they are pesticide free, there is increased playability, players suffer fewer injuries and there is the saving on the use of water.

On the negative side there are concerns about heavy metals and dangerous chemicals in the composite materials used in construction and about toxic run off after heavy rain. There is also the problem of disposal of discarded material as it is non-biodegradable. In very hot weather these pitches are unplayable.

There just isn’t enough known about the long-term effects of the composite materials. At present the US and the EU environment agencies are compiling reports on artificial pitches. The solution would appear to involve more stringent legislation both in China and worldwide. At present there is no uniform legislation and many different standards. 

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