For the grandparents like myself who regularly pick up their grandchildren from school, a familiar scent strikes our noses on hot days: the smell of burning rubber. This odor, strong and unavoidable, emanates from the artificial turf installed in the playgrounds. Not only is it unpleasant, it signifies something much more threatening to our children's health.

Artificial turf, especially ones made from styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR), has been found to contain harmful chemicals. A study by the Environment and Human Health, Inc. found that these surfaces could potentially release these chemicals into the air and the bodies of children who play on it. Moreover, such surfaces affect the survival of fresh grass which also actively helps in reducing carbon dioxide levels.

Hence, our children, our grandchildren, those who will shape our future, are unwittingly exposed to health risks. This risk is avoidable if our schools and daycare centres were to replace synthetic turfs with safer alternatives such as natural grass or organic infill materials.

Our plea is straightforward. We urge all relevant parties to critically look into the negative side effects of artificial turf and take action to replace them with safer alternatives. The health of our children should never be treated lightly and they should never be subjected to unnecessary risks, especially in places meant for learning and growth.

In the name of our children's health and the betterment of our environment, we call on everyone to sign this petition. Together, we can make a difference.