Artificial turf in Ticino schools: risks for kids and hidden costs

Context

In brief

• Synthetic grass in Ticino's schoolyards literally becomes hot in the sun, with risks to children's health
• The Democratic Party and AVS denounce a wrong and anachronistic choice, made only to save costs
• Microplastics and heat accumulation are the main problems also reported by the European Union
• Moratorium required to stop installation in educational spaces

Key Facts

• What: Installation of synthetic turf instead of natural lawn in some schools in the Canton of Ticino
• When: Decision approved in March 2024, reports from parents as of April 2024
• Where: Schoolyards of infant-toddler centres and preschools (not specified which, but involve border communities)
• Who: Municipality of Como (but the issue is relevant for the whole Canton of Ticino, where public schools manage similar green spaces)
• Risks: Literally hot surfaces, release of microplastics, increase in surface temperatures
• Legislation: The European Union has already started a progressive elimination of plastic materials in synthetic fields (EU Regulation 2023/2055)

The debate on the replacement of natural lawn with synthetic grass in schools in the Canton of Ticino has taken on heated tones after reports from parents who have denounced how the installed surfaces literally become hot under the summer sun. A choice, according to critics, wrong and anachronistic, made in the name of saving on maintenance costs, but with serious risks for the health of children and the environment. The issue is raised by the Democratic Party of Como, which has been monitoring the phenomenon since last week, and the Swiss Green Association (AVS), already at the forefront against the lamination of school gardens since the approval of the resolution in March 2024.

The opinion of parents and institutions According to Francesco Finizio, contact person for schools of the Democratic Party of Como, "Several parents have reported that the synthetic turf is literally hot. With global warming, this choice immediately appears anachronistic and dangerous." The problem is not only aesthetic, but health: children who attend infant-toddler centres and preschools until 30 June (the date on which kindergartens are closed) spend most of the day outdoors, and an overheated plastic carpet can cause skin abrasions and physical discomfort. "We cannot accept that the quality of the educational service is sacrificed on an accounting balance sheet," added Finizio, underlining how scientific and pedagogical studies confirm that children need direct contact with the land and biodiversity for healthy development.

The AVS, a historic opponent of plasticization, has reiterated how the choice is not only harmful to the environment, but also counterproductive from an educational point of view. "Schoolyards are not just any spaces: they are places of growth where children learn to relate to nature," said Elisabetta Patelli, leader of the Como Greens. "Plastic does not absorb, does not breathe and does not host biodiversity. It is a shortcut that ignores the precautionary principle and unloads the costs of the administration's short-sighted choices on the little ones."

Scientific risks and the European position

The concerns are not only local, but shared at the European level. In fact, EU Regulation 2023/2055 provides for a gradual elimination of plastic materials used in synthetic fields, recognizing the risks of microplastics in the environment and the increase in surface temperatures. "It is not a matter of opinion, but of consolidated data," the AHV explained in its statement. "Synthetic surfaces release harmful particles, accumulate heat and increase the risk of injury in children. It's not innovation, it's a shortcut."

The question that arises is: what can happen in Ticino? Although the case of Como is the most documented, the issue also indirectly concerns other public schools in the Canton of Ticino, where the management of green spaces is often entrusted to savings criteria. If on the one hand the Municipality of Como has justified the choice with lower maintenance costs, on the other hand parents and experts are asking for an immediate moratorium on the installation of synthetic turf, at least in educational contexts.

What does Swiss and Italian law say? Although the issue is not directly related to taxation or cross-border work, it is interesting to note that the environment and health are increasingly at the center of public policies. In Switzerland, the Environmental Protection Act (EPA) and the guidelines of the Federal Office for the Environment (UFAM) promote the use of sustainable materials, especially in public spaces frequented by minors. In Italy, on the other hand, the Public Procurement Code (Legislative Decree 50/2016) provides for environmental sustainability criteria in tenders, including for schools. However, neither regulation explicitly prohibits artificial turf, leaving room for local interpretation.

⚠️ Warning: Although the issue does not directly concern cross-border commuters, the question raises a crucial point: how local administrative choices can impact the quality of life of mixed families (cross-border parents and children residing in Switzerland). While there are no direct tax or work implications, the health and education of children are transversal elements that also affect those who cross the border daily.

Next steps: What can a parent do? If you reside in Ticino or have a child who attends a public school with synthetic grass courtyards, you can: 1. Report the problem to the school or municipal administration 2. Ask for a risk assessment by an environmental hygiene expert 3. Support initiatives such as the AHV for a moratorium 4. Monitor surface temperatures with specific thermometers

In the next bodysuit we will delve into how to assess the safety of a schoolyard and what alternatives exist to reduce the risks associated with synthetic turf.

Operational details

Artificial Grass vs Natural Lawn: A Practical Comparison

If the debate on artificial turf and natural lawn is heated at the political level, the scientific data offer a clear overview of the pros and cons of this choice, especially in educational contexts such as schools. Here is a comparative table based on the evidence cited by the AHV and international studies:

| Parameter | Artificial turf | Natural lawn | |-----------------------------|--------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | Surface Temperature | Much warmer (up to +20°C than natural) | Cool, absorbs heat | | Microplastics | Release of harmful particles into the air and soil | No Release | | Biodiversity | Zero hospitality for insects and microorganisms | High biodiversity, living soil | | Maintenance | Low (no watering, rare cutting) | High (watering, fertilizing, frequent cutting) | | Initial Cost | High (Installation) | Moderate (seeds, sowing) | | Cost over time | Low (no power consumption) | High (water, energy, labor) | | Risks to children | Skin abrasions, overheating | No risk (apart from pollen allergies) | | Environmental impact | Alto (non-biodegradable plastic) | Low (natural cycle) |

The risks to children's health

According to a study published in 2023 by the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, artificial turf can release microplastics in significant amounts, especially when walked on or exposed to high temperatures. These fragments can be inhaled or ingested by children, with potential long-term effects on respiratory and skin health.

In addition, overheating of synthetic surfaces can cause: - Minor burns in babies playing on their stomachs - Increased heat stress in the event of heat waves - Hydroelectric decompensation in the most serious cases (especially for the youngest)

What science says about contact with nature Numerous studies in environmental pedagogy confirm that direct contact with the earth (not only with artificial materials) is essential for: - Motor development (children who play on natural surfaces have greater coordination) - Stress reduction (natural soil regulates humidity and temperature) - Scientific learning (observing insects, plants and fungi stimulates curiosity)

A 2022 report by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that 80% of urban children spend less than 50% of their time outdoors compared to the previous generation. Replacing the natural lawn with plastic exacerbates this phenomenon, depriving children of a fundamental learning context.

The Ticino case: a cross-cutting problem? If the debate started in Como, the issue could extend to other schools in the Canton of Ticino, where savings criteria often guide decisions on green spaces. For example: - Schools in Mendrisio and Lugano have already experimented with mixed solutions (natural lawn + rubber areas for athletics) - Kindergartens in Bellinzona have kept the lawn natural for pedagogical reasons - Municipalities such as Locarno and Ascona are considering sustainable alternatives

Crucial question: if a cross-border parent (who works in Switzerland and resides in Italy) has a child in a Ticino school with artificial grass, what can he do?

1. Ask for an environmental audit of the schoolyard 2. Participate in public consultations on renovation projects 3. Support petitions for a moratorium (such as the AHV) 4. Monitor the temperature of surfaces with simple tools (outdoor thermometers)

In the next body, we will explore how to report the problem to the authorities and what alternatives exist to improve the safety of schoolyards.

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Key points

How to act if your school has artificial turf: practical guide

If your child attends a school or kindergarten in Ticino with artificial turf courtyards, here is step by step what you can do to assess the risks and ask for improvements:

Step 1: Assess the heat risk The first step is to measure the temperature of the surfaces. You can do this with: - Infrared thermometer (available online or in DIY stores, ~20-50 CHF) - Contact thermometer (less accurate, but sufficient for a first evaluation)

When to measure? - Central hours of the day (12:00-15:00, when the sun is at its strongest) - Windless days (the wind cools the surfaces) - After at least 2 hours of sun exposure (to have significant data)

Alarm threshold: If the temperature exceeds 40°C, the surface is potentially dangerous for children playing in direct contact.

Step 2: Evidence collection and reporting If the data confirms excessive overheating, collect: 1. Photos and videos of the affected areas (with date and time) 2. Thermal measurements (with photos of the thermometer in action) 3. Testimonials from other parents (even anonymous)

Who to report to? - School management (via email or formal meeting) - Municipality of competence (environmental or technical office) - Department of Education of the Canton of Ticino (DECS)

Email Template (Adaptable): > Subject: Reporting of health risks for artificial turf – [School Name] > Dear Managers, > as parents concerned about the health of our children, we point out that the schoolyard [name] has artificial turf surfaces with temperatures above [X]°C at [Y]. > I am attaching measurements and supporting photos. We call for a risk assessment and corrective measures, in line with the recommendations of the AHV and the EU. > Sincerely, > [First and last name, contact details]

Step 3: Ask for a moratorium or alternatives If your report isn't considered, you can:

• Petition (e.g. via local Change.org or platforms)
• Involve associations (Avs, Legambiente, Pro Natura)
• Participate in public consultations on renovation projects

Alternatives to artificial turf (safer and more sustainable): - Natural lawn with rubber areas (only for high-impact games) - Natural grass with low-consumption irrigation systems - Sand or gravel surfaces (cooler and more natural) - Permeable flooring (which allows drainage and reduces heat)

What does Swiss law say? In Switzerland, there is no explicit ban on artificial turf in schools, but certain regulations can be invoked: - Environmental Protection Act (EPA) – Art. 32 (obligation to reduce pollution) - Building Materials Ordinance (WTO) – Limits on Emissions of Pollutants - DECS Guidelines – Promotion of Healthy Environments for Children

What if the school does not respond? You can contact: 1. To the cantonal doctor (for a health assessment) 2. To the Federal Office for the Environment (UFAM) (to report an environmental violation) 3. To local media (to increase public pressure)

Useful Resources for Parents Who Are Cross-Border Workers If you reside in Italy but your child attends a school in Ticino, remember that: - The expertise is Swiss, but you can support collective initiatives - Associations such as the AVS can provide legal or technical assistance - The DECS (Department of Education) is the main point of contact for reports

💡 Practical advice: if the school is in a border municipality (e.g. Chiasso, Mendrisio, Lugano), try to coordinate with other parents to have more weight in reporting.

CTA: Tools to Assess Your School's Safety If you want to learn more about the safety of the spaces frequented by your children, you can: - Calculate the tax impact of a possible petition or parents' association here - Compare the costs between artificial turf and natural lawn here - Find out about the environmental regulations in force in Ticino here

Frequent question: Can I ask for a refund if my child has suffered damage? Answer: Currently, there is no specific legislation that provides for compensation for damage caused by artificial turf. However, if serious misconduct on the part of the administration is proven (e.g. omission of safety assessments), it may be possible to take civil action. It is advisable to consult a lawyer who specializes in Swiss environmental law.

🔍 Further information: - Guide to Parents' Rights in Swiss Public Schools - How to participate in public consultations in Ticino - Environmental regulations for public spaces in Switzerland

Source: comozero.it

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