NEWS
Expert urges ban of toxic artificial football pitches Professor Andrew Watterson, from Stirling University, calls for Scotland to adpot new EU rules A top scientist has called for a crackdown on artificial football pitches made from cancercausing chemicals. In mid August, the European Commission imposed tough new restrictions on the manufacture of playing surfaces using rubber crumb. Professor Andrew Watterson, from Stirling University, an expert in public and environmental health, wants Scotland to follow suit and for the pitches to be phased out completely. He says more needs to be done to protect the health of the thousands of adults and children who play football every week on artificial grass. Rubber crumb is made from recycled car tyres, and the black pellets are used to improve the bounce of the ball. Tests show they contain small amounts of potentially toxic and carcinogenic chemicals including mercury, lead, and arsenic. From 10th August, the amount of chemicals found in the rubber must be reduced by 500 percent on safety grounds in European Union countries. However because the UK officially left the EU in January, the tough new rules won’t apply here. The Dutch have also announced plans to phase out all rubber crumb sports pitches by 2030. Prof Watterson would like to see the Scottish Government, the Health and Safety Executive and Councils carry out more safety checks on
artificial surfaces like those in fivea-side football centres. He said: “We need to move away from pitches using hazardous materials and processes. We need a proper analysis of the impact of rubber crumb on pitches and playgrounds and explore ways and means to reduce or remove the hazardous substances in them.” “This could be by substituting much safer materials, for example natural grass.” “After decades of use, we still lack Professor Andrew Watterson, Stirling University detailed knowledge about the possible uptake of chemicals from artificial surfaces.” Prof Watterson says there is no reason why Prof Watterson added: “When you could get Holyrood could not adopt the new EU ruling, as large populations exposed to even small doses environmental protection is devolved. of what are known to be dangerous chemicals over a long period of time, that is a real He added: “The Scottish Government should concern.” advise local authorities that the funding it receives should be spent only on sustainable Public Health Scotland said a safety review of artificial pitches, natural grass pitches and artificial playing surfaces was carried out in playground surfaces.” 2017. It added: “It was due to be updated in 2020 but has been paused due to the Watterson says there is also a danger that the pandemic.” chemicals from crumb rubber artificial pitches could enter the water supply and further The Health and Safety Executive said it would damage the environment and damage fish look at the new EU proposals to see if they stocks. should be adopted in the UK. The new EU ruling comes into force later this Scottish Football Association rules state that all month. Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, clubs using synthetic pitches must comply with Norway and Sweden have all said they will be quality standards set by the governing body adopting the measure and notifying pitch FIFA. manufacturers.
Two new GMA surveys The Grounds Management Association (GMA) is once again looking to gather feedback from the turfcare community. Members and non-members can offer their view on what they value and would like to see going forward, by taking part in two surveys one for individuals working across the sector and one for businesses or suppliers operating in it. The surveys will be open to all respondents until 1st September 2021. All respondents of the survey will also have the opportunity to enter a prize draw, with four £50 Amazon vouchers up for grabs. Respondents who wish to remain anonymous can do so. The GMA previously conducted member research in August 2020 and is looking to build on this research whilst gathering feedback that will inform activity over the next
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PC August/September 2021
year. Through gathering qualitative and quantitative data, this review will analyse the benefits and offering of the membership, looking at what respondents believe are the most valuable, and what aspects of the offering may require improvement. Any necessary feedback will start to be implemented later this year, following an
analysis of all data gathered, and continue beyond 2021. For the individual survey, visit: https://bit.ly/3xnn7bj For the corporate survey, visit: https://bit.ly/3jcdtUb
