VivaTech takes the stage as the world's leading event for tech and startups
19 Jun 2023 18:33
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.
Future of Sport: a resounding success for the Global Sports Week and Viva Technology collaboration
21 Jun 2023 12:27
Related coverage
Sports celebrity to train 10,000 football teachers in China
30 Jun 2015
FC Barcelona franchises soccer school in China
25 Nov 2015
05 Feb 2016
China needs to focus on youth training and coaching programs
28 Oct 2015
NBA Yao Basketball Club signs with Fuzhou Education Bureau
20 Oct 2017
More from Yutang Sports
SportAccord 2024 - sport as a ‘powerful, transformative tool’ under spotlight at CityAccord
29 Mar 2024
Reasons why Leading Gold Partner Sport Event Denmark returns to SportAccord every year
08 Feb 2024
Meet the world-class speakers on SportAccord’s Plenary sessions
23 Feb 2024
Leading legal minds tackle athlete representation and rules for transgender athletes at LawAccord
16 Feb 2024
HealthAccord spotlights mental health and female athlete well-being
08 Feb 2024
Yutang Sports
loading...