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Sportsgrounds: Rubber

Answer

Artificial grass pitches are recognised as a durable, safe, year-round playing surfaces, able to withstand intensive use and all kinds of weather. They mean more people can benefit from the social and health benefits of physical activity.

We recognise the concerns that have been raised about the safety and environmental impact associated with these pitches, and take them very seriously.

Sport England have monitored numerous independent scientific studies on the safety of rubber crumb, which have reported a very low or negligible level of concern for human health. The European Chemicals Agency European Chemicals Regulatory Authority (ECHA) published its own findings in 2019, following an extensive EU-wide study, and found no reason to advise people against playing sport on 3G pitches with rubber crumb.

Following the UK’s exit from the EU, the regulatory framework for these matters now sits at a UK level (except for Northern Ireland). The four national governments of the UK and their agencies are working with leading sports and industry bodies to provide greater reassurance to communities that artificial grass pitches in this country are both safe for the environment and for people to play on.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

59246

Session

2022-23

Transferred

Yes

Subjects

Health hazards Recycling Sportsgrounds Rubber

Link

View this Written question on www.parliament.uk