Fake grass reconsidered
6 February 2012
Childcare centres are reconsidering the use of artificial grass in playgrounds after concerns raised that children may be at risk from long-term exposure to toxic chemicals.
A spokeswoman for one of the largest childcare providers, KU, said they will be ''looking further into the safety of artificial grass to either ensure it is safe or investigate alternative options''.
The Sun-Herald revealed last week that scientists are concerned about the potential dangers of fake grass and called for a moratorium on its use until its safety can be established.
It was revealed that there is widespread concern about the turf, including lead content and toxic chemicals in imported products that are not tested, and the crumb rubber that is used in some models.
Australian manufacturers maintain their products are free from lead or toxic chemicals.
The regulator, the National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme, is about to start a program assessing the turf.
(This article appeared in The Sun-Herald, January 29, 2012)
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