Health alert raised after tests on artificial turf reveal excess levels of toxic chemicals

Samples of artificial turf from two government pitches contained excessive levels of probable cancer-causing chemicals and heavy metals, according to laboratory test results obtained by the Post.

Experts who reviewed the test, commissioned by the Civic Party, called for a temporary closure of the pitches or the use of alternative materials. But they said further testing would be required to prove the extent of the risks posed to children.

The concern centres on chemicals used in the rubber granules – usually made from recycled tyres – which are used as filler material between plastic grass fibres in so-called third-generation pitches used by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.

The tests come after five schools run by the English Schools Foundation reopened their artificial pitches after their testing showed “no increased health and safety risk associated with use.”

It is unclear what was tested as the ESF has refused to disclose its reports.

Six out of eight toxic chemicals listed as restricted under European Union regulations were found in two samples from Happy Valley Recreation Ground and Wong Chuk Hang Recreation Ground analysed by the Hong Kong Productivity Council.