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The City of Sydney has adopted a significantly more cautious and evidence-based approach towards future synthetic turf sports fields following a major policy review considered by Council in February 2026.

The review recognises that synthetic fields can help address growing pressure on sporting facilities across the city. Council noted that demand for sports field capacity is expected to increase substantially by 2030, with the City’s four existing synthetic fields already contributing around 11,000 additional playable hours annually.

However, the policy also highlights increasing environmental, health and urban planning concerns associated with synthetic turf. These include:

• urban heat impacts and unsafe surface temperatures during summer;
• microplastic pollution entering waterways;
• flood risks;
• biodiversity impacts;
• end-of-life disposal issues; and
• broader environmental concerns associated with synthetic materials.

Importantly, Council referenced updated NSW Government guidance released following the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer review into synthetic turf. The new guidance requires more rigorous environmental assessments, including:

• biodiversity impact assessments;
• heritage assessments;
• climate and urban heat analysis;
• waterway and flood risk assessments;
• microplastic mitigation measures; and
• end-of-life management plans.

The motion also acknowledged emerging evidence that well-designed and intensively maintained natural turf fields may achieve substantially greater playing capacity than previously assumed, while avoiding many of the environmental risks associated with synthetic surfaces. Council specifically referenced the Natural Turf Alliance case study involving Middle Head Oval.

Under the adopted position, future synthetic turf proposals will now only be considered on a case-by-case basis, supported by detailed environmental assessments and community consultation. Council also resolved that any future proposals — including the proposed Mandible Street Sports Precinct in Alexandria — must include direct comparisons between natural and synthetic turf options, including capital costs, maintenance costs and end-of-life impacts.

The decision reflects a broader shift occurring across several NSW councils, where updated scientific evidence, environmental concerns and evolving NSW Government guidance are leading to greater scrutiny of synthetic turf projects.

For further information, click here

A new report released by AUSMAP — Do We Have a Microplastic Problem in NSW Coastal Waterways? — provides further independent evidence that microplastics are now widespread across NSW coastal waterways.

Of particular relevance to Natural Turf Alliance members is page 27 of the report, which identifies synthetic grass as an emerging source of microplastics, particularly in urbanised catchments.

Key findings highlighted in the report include:

• Elevated concentrations of synthetic turf fragments (“blades”) were recorded at several NSW sites, with some samples recording up to 2,500 synthetic grass blades per square metre
  
• AUSMAP notes that the combination of local stormwater inputs, rainfall-driven mobilisation, and nearby synthetic turf installations likely contributes to both the variability and peak fragment loads observed

Importantly, the report highlights that once microplastic fragments enter waterways they are persistent and difficult to remove, accumulating in sediments and coastal environments.

This report reflects growing scientific recognition that plastic-based surfaces can act as a source of microplastics beyond their installation sites, particularly where stormwater pathways connect sportsfields, schools and parks to creeks, bays and beaches.

Why this matters:

• Coastal and estuarine systems act as accumulation zones for microplastics
• Source identification is critical for preventative planning and infrastructure decisions
• Local surface choices can have catchment-wide environmental impacts

We encourage members to review the report directly and reference page 27 and Table 2 when engaging with councils, regulators, sporting bodies and community stakeholders.

Natural Turf Alliance will continue to monitor emerging research and advocate for evidence-based, precautionary approaches that protect waterways, community spaces and public health. 👉 Read the full report

Hundreds of NSW public schools have synthetic turf on their grounds, it has been revealed, amid concerns about the hot surface’s impact on children’s health and its environmental risks.

A Department of Education survey of 1600 of the state’s 2200 public schools conducted late last year found 58 per cent had synthetic turf.

It is the first time the department has revealed how many schools have the controversial play surface installed.

The material is promoted as a lower maintenance alternative to grass, but public backlash against synthetic turf and rubber crumb is growing due to evidence about damage to human health and the environment from its plastic, which can heat to extreme temperatures and leach forever chemicals and microplastics into waterways.

“The synthetic turf has been installed at these schools over many years with extents ranging from a few square metres up to full-size soccer fields,” a department spokesman said. Two-thirds of synthetic turf detected was partially or fully shaded, he said.

“We are aware that air temperature above artificial turf has the potential to exceed a comfortable temperature and contributes to the urban heat island effect,” he said.

“The department works to reduce the heat island effect through shading of synthetic turf, turf infill choice, material choices and irrigation.”

Frustrated by the previous lack of data available, Sydney mum and co-founder of advocacy group the National Turf Alliance Catriona Carver took matters into her own hands, spending two years cross-referencing satellite images with manufacturers’ websites, P&C announcements and school newsletters to estimate the number of schools with synthetic turf in Greater Sydney.

She concluded that at least one-third had the surface, including 150 schools in category 1 and 2 bushfire risk zones. Synthetic turf is a known bushfire hazard.

On a hot day, astroturf can reach up to 75 degrees. That’s only the start of its problems

A 2023 report by the NSW chief scientist and engineer recommended against synthetic sports fields in areas of high bushfire and extreme flood risk.

The same report also found the plastic grass contained biological pathogens and toxic chemicals, and presented a risk of microplastic ingestion.

“[Synthetic turf] has some benefits to play, but it’s got too many negatives for long-term health for children, and too much is unknown,” Carver said.

A CSIRO and UNSW report found synthetic turf contained toxic and carcinogenic chemicals that could be absorbed by the human body through direct contact, inhalation and ingestion.

According to the report, while research generally indicates that typical users of synthetic turf fields experience low health risks, ongoing studies are needed to investigate potential long-term effects, particularly from prolonged exposure.

Carver said schools and P&Cs received no information about safety, or how long the surface would last.

“Schools are putting this in on an instant basis, without much information about what happens to it,” she said.

Professor Sebastian Pfautsch of Western Sydney University has been investigating heat and synthetic turf in schools and playgrounds since 2019.

Last summer, he helped lead a research project with close to 1000 western Sydney school students, measuring temperatures in their schools and developing strategies to combat heat.

Pfautsch described synthetic turf as “the hottest material you will find in schools”. A NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure report found the material frequently reached temperatures of up to 75 degrees, compared to 37 degrees for natural grass, in western Sydney.

According to Pfautsch, radiant heat from the surface also heats up the walls of nearby classrooms.

“That, of course, means classroom temperatures go up, which means you need more air-conditioning,” Pfautsch said.

At Granville Boys High School, where grounds are mostly asphalt and synthetic turf, temperatures reached 48.2 degrees, “likely because it was in an enclosed space covered mostly by synthetic turf and surrounded by buildings which would heat up in the sun and radiate heat back into the surrounding air”, according to the project’s report.

Doonside Technology High School’s synthetic tennis courts reached 89.2 degrees on a 36-degree day; the ground was so hot that students “cooked an egg on it”.

Heat had negative consequences on not only health, but also learning outcomes, Pfautsch said.

“When you go for recess and your lunch break, and it’s very hot when you get back to the classroom, it takes much longer to find concentration again,” he said.

In a statement, a NSW School Infrastructure spokesman said the department used natural turf whenever possible and synthetic material was considered only in “high-use zones, shaded areas or other areas where the growth of natural turf is difficult, and in situations where it may be preferable to asphalt or concrete”.

He said the department regularly inspected synthetic turf in schools to ensure it remained fit for purpose, and feedback from schools was informing an update to its facilities standards this year.

The Department of Education spokesman confirmed that, when synthetic turf reaches the end of its useful life, a natural turf replacement “will be considered where possible”.

A separate issue is department schools relying on local synthetic turf facilities.

Ku-ring-gai Council is considering reverting the synthetic turf at Charles Bean Oval, which is used by Lindfield Learning Village for play, after lead, arsenic, zinc and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were found in the material. The school has raised concerns about higher numbers of abrasions that require first aid, turf sticking to students’ shoes, and excessive heat.

Parent Julia Hobson said her kids were afraid to play on the field, conscious of its health impact.

“That’s unacceptable, that in a school environment, you’re having to make those decisions to avoid an area to make your kids feel safe,” she said.

Carver said the only way to fix hot synthetic turf was to remove it.

“Heat is the biggest thing that nobody can change. You either cover it all up, or you don’t have it. There’s no other way because you can’t do anything about it,” she said.

Published on 25^th January 2026 in the Sydney Morning Herald: https://www.smh.com.au/politics/nsw/the-number-of-nsw-schools-with-synthetic-turf-revealed-20260115-p5nub0.html

The NSW Government has released its formal response to the NSW Government Select Committee on PFAS Contamination in Waterways and Drinking Water Supplies.

CLICK HERE to view the report and response

While synthetic turf fields are not specifically mentioned in the report, two major recommendations supported by the Government have significant implications for councils, schools, sporting groups and communities concerned about PFAS exposure from artificial playing surfaces.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are increasingly recognised as persistent environmental contaminants. Synthetic turf systems—fibres, backing, shock pads, adhesives and infill—are known to contain PFAS and shed PFAS-laden particulates into surrounding soil and waterways over their lifetime.

Below is a summary of the two most important recommendations and how they relate to synthetic playing fields.

🔍 Recommendation 27: Mandatory PFAS Labelling of Products

Government Position: Supported

The report recommends mandatory PFAS labelling for all consumer, commercial and industrial products, along with the creation of a national PFAS product register. The NSW Government has confirmed its support for this initiative and will advocate for national action.

Why this matters for synthetic turf

Although synthetic turf is not named in the report, this recommendation is highly relevant:

• Synthetic grass products contain PFAS, yet manufacturers are not required to disclose this.
• Mandatory labelling would finally reveal the level of PFAS in turf fibres, backing, shock pads, infill and adhesives.
• Councils and schools would be able to make fully informed decisions before installing new fields.
• Communities would gain transparency about PFAS-containing products being installed in local parks and sports facilities.

For organisations concerned about public health and environmental protection, this represents a major step forward.

⛔ Recommendation 28: Phase-Out of Non-Essential PFAS Uses by 2030

Government Position: Supported in Principle

The Committee recommends working through National Cabinet to phase out all non-essential PFAS uses by 2030. The NSW Government supports this direction and acknowledges the growing international push toward eliminating unnecessary PFAS applications.

Why this matters for synthetic turf

Synthetic turf is not an essential use of PFAS. If this national phase-out proceeds:

• PFAS-containing artificial turf systems could become ineligible for manufacture, import or use.
• Councils installing synthetic fields today may face significant future compliance, remediation and disposal liabilities.
• Natural turf and genuine PFAS-free alternatives (which do not currently exist at scale) will become the only long-term sustainable options.

This recommendation strongly reinforces the Natural Turf Alliance’s long-standing position that installing PFAS-based synthetic fields is incompatible with emerging public health and environmental policy.

🌿 What This Means for Councils and Communities

These two government-endorsed actions—mandatory PFAS labelling and the national phase-out of non-essential PFAS uses—represent substantial shifts in how PFAS risks are managed across Australia.

Together, they highlight a clear policy trajectory:

⚠️ Synthetic turf is likely to face increasing regulatory scrutiny, transparency requirements and eventual phase-out due to PFAS content.

Choosing natural turf is not only safer for communities and the environment—it is also more aligned with the future regulatory landscape.

📣 The Natural Turf Alliance Will Continue to Advocate

We will use this momentum to:

• push for transparency in PFAS-containing products used in public spaces,
• support councils in assessing long-term environmental risks,
• encourage evidence-based decision making on field construction, and
• promote natural turf as the safe, sustainable alternative for community sport.

Hundreds of synthetic sports fields in Sydney could be exposed to what independent testing has described as a “toxic cocktail” of chemicals.

Independent testing of a synthetic sports field in Sydney has found a “toxic cocktail” of chemicals capable of killing marine life and raising serious questions about the safety of those who play on it. 

Community Science Group, AUSMAP carried out the test on a field belonging to an unidentified Sydney Council. It believes the results are indicative of hundreds of synthetic sports fields across the country. 

“It is like a cocktail of chemicals sitting on these fields that we are potentially exposed to,” said research director, Dr Scott Wilson.

The group’s tests focused on what is known as “crumbed rubber,” a substance sprinkled across the field to provide support and replicate the play of a proper field. The crumb, however, is made from old, shredded tyres which by-in-large have been imported.

“In our study, where we looked at the rubber particles … We are able to find that heavy metals in particular were elevated,” he said. “Things like zinc, copper, arsenic lead are all present.

“Other compounds like PFAS and PAH compounds were also found. There was a cocktail of chemicals there,” he said.

PFAS is an umbrella term for thousands of man-made chemicals designed not to break down. The United States Environmental Protection Agency states, “studies have shown that exposure to some PFAS in the environment may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals.”

PAHs are another class of chemicals found in tyres. The British Journal of Cancer states PAHs have shown the capability to “cause mammary cancer in rodents.” While a separate 2022 study describes PAH’s ability to induce “troubles in female fertility.” 

Other studies found traces of the crumb in the saliva of players, opening a potential path for the chemicals into the blood stream.

With sports fields often flowing into creeks and rivers, AUSMAP conducted its own independent lab tests to examine the impact on marine life and the broader food chain. 

“Within a couple of days, the levels of chemicals in that water where the rubber crumb was sitting … was killing our crustaceans (and) our small little invertebrates that are the backbone of our eco system,” Dr Wilson told Sky News. 

“We were finding the chemicals present are immediately killing these animals because they are so highly toxic.”

The issue of crumbed rubber has led the European Union to begin the mammoth task of removing some 100,000 synthetic turf across 30 nations over the next eight years. 

It intends to replace the recycled tyre crumb with coconut or cork.

“What I can say is, be aware of the rubber granules and keep as far from them as possible. This is definitely what we are doing in Europe,” said Mercedes Marquez-Camacho, from the European Chemicals Agency.

As well as the effect on humans, the agency is equally worried about the spread of the tyre granules into the environment. And while they look to be rubber, the synthetic substance is actually made of plastic. 

It believes somewhere between one and five percent of all granules are lost each year, a figure it estimates to be a staggering 16,000 tonnes annually. 

“Your children, when they come home, they bring the rubber granules with them. And these rubber granules are made of materials that are carcinogens and also may damage the fertility and our hormonal systems,” said Ms Marquez-Camacho.

“And then when we think about the microplastics and the pollution of our environment and the understanding that there is in the scientific community that we all of us, we are drinking water that is contaminated with the microplastics, we are eating food that is contaminated with microplastics. These microplastics (are) in our bodies, and the real truth is that the scientists do not really know to what extent these microplastics may affect the human health. I would say that’s a worrying situation,” she said.

A 2022 report compiled by the New South Wales, Chief Scientist, Professor, Hugh Durrant-Whyte declared, “there is insufficient information and a lack of standards about the materials and chemical composition of synthetic turf.”

The chief scientist recommended following a ‘learn and adapt’ approach.

The report, which some believe has gone under the radar as a consequence of the 2023 election notes an increase in the state’s fields “from approximately 24 in 2014 and 30 in 2018.” to around 180 at the time. It’s now thought to be around 200 and growing.

While the European Union is moving away from the crumb, a new draft report for decision makers called “Synthetic Turf in Public Open Space” lays out the pros and cons of the fields, despite stating “research has suggested that biological pathogens, toxic chemicals and micro-plastic ingestion are all risks to human health that are associated with synthetic materials”.

It also notes the carpet itself – made up of forever chemicals – has a life span of eight to 10 years before needing replacement.

The European agency was careful to avoid any criticism of Australian councils and state governments, but did say in regard to the crumb, “we do know there are toxic chemicals in there, so spreading toxic chemicals in the environment, it doesn’t look like the best way to proceed.” 

AUSMAP’s Dr Wilson made it clear there is no direct link between the product and cancer in humans but is eager for a moratorium until scientists can investigate the impact of chemicals.

“We just haven’t done enough studies yet to understand the potential ecological impacts of what this material is causing,” he said.

“There’s not clear evidence of potential human health effects at this stage, but having said that, we should take a precautionary approach and not expose ourselves to that in the first instance.”

This article was published by Sky News Australia on 7th May 2024. Click here to view

Click here to view the video presentation

In a significant move set to take effect from 2030 onwards, the Netherlands is poised to bid farewell to artificial grass on sports fields, opting for real grass surfaces instead. This is due to the increased cancer risks associated with artificial turf.

The artificial grass, often crafted from ‘rubber crumb’ or ‘crumb rubber’ composed of small pellets derived from discarded car tires, has raised alarm due to a study conducted across Dutch football clubs.

Of the 60 clubs involved in the study, the fields of 58 of them were found to contain 1.5 to 3.7 times higher levels of carcinogenic compounds than what is permissible in consumer products. These rubber crumb infill materials were found to harbour hazardous elements such as arsenic, benzene, carbon black, heavy metals, lead and mercury, among other carcinogens, posing potential health risks.

Amy Griffin, Associate Head Coach at the University of Washington women’s soccer team, conducted a study that compiled a list of 237 soccer players who predominantly played on artificial fields and later developed cancer. Interestingly, a majority of the affected players were goalkeepers, who had spent more time in contact with the artificial grass.

Tempering the findings to a certain extent, cancer specialist Bob Lowenberg pointed out, “There is absolutely no evidence that artificial grass pitches are bad for you, but we can’t definitively say they are safe. I think there is every reason to be concerned about artificial grass pitches.”

The Netherlands witnessed the pioneering introduction of synthetic turf in 2003 when Heracles Football Club installed it. At that time, it was considered groundbreaking, offering lower maintenance costs and eliminating the risk of matches being cancelled due to waterlogged or frozen pitches. However, players often voiced their displeasure with these surfaces, citing the increased risk of leg injuries and variations in the ball’s behaviour.

Jan Smit, the former chairman of Heracles and a trailblazer for plastic pitches, dismissed many objections, especially those related to injuries.

“You don’t hear anyone complain about artificial grass when it’s frozen for five days straight in February,” Smit snapped.

“On natural grass it becomes a mudbath and games have to be called off. And just look how bad the pitches are at clubs like Groningen and Utrecht.”

In contrast to overseas bans, Australia has seen a significant surge in the construction of synthetic fields. The chief scientist recommended that New South Wales (NSW) instead adopt an “accelerated learn and adapt approach.”

A recent report quietly released this year revealed that there are now 181 synthetic turf sports fields in NSW, a significant increase from just 24 in 2014 and 30 in 2018. Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte, the chief scientist, highlighted “knowledge gaps” – especially regarding the materials and chemical composition of commonly used rubber infill.

The report also expressed concerns about the increased heat effects and doubts about claims around the turf’s performance in Australia’s climate. It remains unclear whether expectations regarding the longevity and carrying capacity of synthetic fields can be met under Australian climatic conditions, potentially influencing installation decisions and cost-benefit considerations.

The proliferation of synthetic turf not only raises serious health concerns but also has adverse environmental consequences, particularly the potential for microplastics from rubber infill to contaminate waterways.

The growing prevalence of synthetic turf underscores a fundamental issue, as noted by Dr. Sebastian Pfautsh, an Associate Professor in Urban Management and Planning at Western Sydney University.

“It really goes back to urban planning principles — as our cities expand and densify, we’re not simultaneously providing the necessary green space for recreation and recreational activities for these growing populations,” Pfautsh said.

It is clear that a measured and science-driven approach is vital to ensure the safety of athletes, the protection of our environment, and the overall enjoyment of sports. The Netherlands’ decision to prioritise natural grass fields is but one example of the ongoing dialogue and action on this front. The future of playing surfaces, and their impact on health, the environment and sports, remains a topic of considerable concern and interest.

Source: https://ministryofsport.com/the-netherlands-to-phase-out-artificial-turf-over-health-and-environmental-concerns/

The US Environment Protection Authority Will Make Polluters Pay to Clean Up Two ‘Forever Chemicals’

The step follows an extraordinary move that requires utilities to reduce the levels of carcinogenic PFAS compounds in drinking water to near-zero.

The Biden administration is designating two “forever chemicals,” man-made compounds that are linked to serious health risks, as hazardous substances under the Superfund law, shifting responsibility for their cleanup to polluters from taxpayers.

The new rule announced on Friday empowers the government to force the many companies that manufacture or use perfluorooctanoic acid, also known as PFOA, and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, known as PFOS, to monitor any releases into the environment and be responsible for cleaning them up. Those companies could face billions of dollars in liabilitis.

The pair of compounds are part of a larger family of chemical substances known collectively as PFAS.

The compounds, found in everything from dental floss to firefighting foams to children’s toys, are called forever chemicals because they degrade very slowly and can accumulate in the body and the environment. Exposure to PFAS has been associated with metabolic disorders, decreased fertility in women, developmental delays in children and increased risk of some prostate, kidney and testicular cancers, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

The chemicals are so ubiquitous that they can be detected in the blood of almost every person in the United States. One recent government study discovered PFAS chemicals in nearly half of the nation’s tap water. In 2022, the E.P.A. found the chemicals could cause harm at levels “much lower than previously understood” and that almost no level of exposure was safe.

The announcement follows an extraordinary move last week from the E.P.A. mandating that water utilities reduce the PFAS in drinking water to near-zero levels. The agency has also proposed to designate seven additional PFAS chemicals as hazardous waste.

“President Biden understands the threat that forever chemicals pose to the health of families across the country,” Michael S. Regan, the administrator of the E.P.A., said. “Designating these chemicals under our Superfund authority will allow E.P.A. to address more contaminated sites, take earlier action, and expedite cleanups, all while ensuring polluters pay for the costs to clean up pollution threatening the health of communities.”

Under the new rule, companies are required to immediately report releases of PFOA and PFOS that meet or exceed one pound within a 24-hour period to the National Response Center, and also to state, tribal, and local emergency responders.

The E.P.A. said it was important to quickly catch PFAS contamination because delays allow the chemicals to migrate into soil and water supplies. But the rule could also compel companies to clean up contamination that had occurred years before if is detected in the newly compulsory tests.

PFOA and PFOS are no longer manufactured in the United States but can be imported in the form of consumer goods such as carpet, leather and apparel, textiles, paper and packaging as well as in coatings, rubber and plastics, the agency said.

“It’s long past time for the polluters who poisoned all of us to be held responsible,” said Ken Cook, president of the Environmental Working Group, an advocacy organization. “This comes too late for all the people who were poisoned without their knowledge or consent and have paid the price for one of the greatest environmental crimes in history. But today’s designation of PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances is the first step to bring justice to those who have been harmed.”

Shifting the cost of cleanup to polluters is “great news for the many communities grappling with PFAS contamination, many of which are also low income and communities of color,” said Dr. Tracey Woodruff, director at the Program on Reproductive Health & the Environment at the University of California, San Francisco. “This is another step toward protecting people from the health harms of this well-known toxic chemical.”

But industries that use the chemicals have said that the designation is too expensive and would lead to litigation that could impose new costs on businesses and communities and slow the cleanup of chemicals.

Hundreds of municipalities have sued PFAS manufacturers, alleging that the companies contaminated their water and soil.

Last year, 3M agreed to a $10.3 billion settlement with U.S. cities and towns over their claims of contamination. Under the sweeping settlement, 3M said it would pay out the money over 13 years to cities, counties and others across the country to test for and clean up PFAS in public water supplies. The company, which did not admit any liability, said the settlement covered remediation to water suppliers that detected the chemicals “at any level or may do so in the future.” 3M also said it would stop manufacturing PFAS chemicals by late 2025.

Ranier Lohmann, who leads the Superfund Research Center at the University of Rhode Island, said the new designation could help bring an end to the use of PFAS chemicals in consumer products, such as nonstick cookware, but not in large-scale industrial products, like industrial pipes or airplane wings.

The rule does not offer a new way for communities that have been contaminated with PFAS to compel chemical manufacturers to pay for removal. But Dr. Lohmann noted that it was designed to help reach that goal in the long run by forcing companies to clean up on-site PFAS contamination that could otherwise leach into drinking water.

The rule announced Friday also requires that federal entities that transfer or sell their property must provide notice about the storage, release, or disposal of PFOA or PFOS on the property and guarantee that contamination has been cleaned up or, if needed, that additional cleanup will occur in the future.

For decades, hundreds of military sites around the country used firefighting foam containing forever chemicals and nearby communities have some of the highest concentrations of PFAS contamination. Legal experts say it’s unclear whether taxpayers would now have to fund cleanup efforts or if the government would seek to recover costs from foam manufacturers.

The new listing will also lead the Department of Transportation to list and regulate these substances as hazardous materials under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act.

The rule will go into effect in 60 days.

This article was published in the New York Times on 20th April 2024 – CLICK HERE