Forest Hill School has proposed the installation of a 3G (third generation) astroturf pitch.

The installation and maintenance of 3G astroturf can lead to various environmental and health risks, including contamination of water sources, soil, and the atmosphere, as well as potential health risks to athletes. These issues, combined with the challenge of disposing of synthetic materials at the end of their life, make artificial turf a controversial choice, particularly in areas concerned with environmental sustainability. So much so that these surfaces have faced calls for a complete ban.

1. Leaching of hazardous chemicals
   • Toxic chemicals in infill
     One of the main environmental concerns with 3G astroturf is the use of crumb rubber as the infill material. Crumb rubber can contain harmful substances such as heavy metals (e.g., lead, cadmium), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and other chemicals linked to cancer, hormone disruption, and neurological issues. These chemicals can leach into the surrounding environment over time, especially after rainfall or when the turf gets wet, contaminating nearby soil and water sources.
   • Microplastics
     The plastic fibers that make up the turf surface can also break down into microplastics, which are harmful to both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
2. Soil and water contamination
   • Runoff Contamination
     The chemicals and microplastics from the turf can run off into nearby water systems, especially if the field is not properly maintained or if the installation site lacks sufficient drainage or containment measures. This can affect local waterways, potentially harming aquatic life and entering the food chain.
   • Groundwater Impact
     The chemicals leaching from crumb rubber could contaminate groundwater, leading to longer-term environmental concerns that are difficult to mitigate.
3. Heat island effect
   Artificial turf tends to absorb and retain heat more than natural grass. This can result in urban heat islands, where temperatures around artificial turf fields are significantly higher than in surrounding areas. This can have broader environmental implications, such as contributing to increased energy use for cooling and negatively impacting local ecosystems. In a warming world, this is not a desirable side-effect.
4. Health risks to pupils and players
   There have been concerns about athletes being exposed to potentially harmful substances when playing on synthetic turf fields. For instance, children and athletes could inhale or absorb toxic chemicals from the turf, especially as the surface breaks down with use.
5. End-of-life disposal issues
   The materials used in 3G astroturf, particularly the plastic fibers and rubber infill, are non-biodegradable. When the turf reaches the end of its useful life (typically after 8-10 years), it becomes a huge waste disposal issue. Large amounts of synthetic material can end up in landfills, contributing to the growing problem of plastic waste.
6. Alternative infill materials
   While crumb rubber is the most common infill, there have been efforts to use alternative materials, such as organic infill (e.g., cork or coconut husks) or sand. However, these alternatives have their own environmental impacts, and there is still ongoing debate over whether they are a truly sustainable solution compared to natural grass.