Low standards to blame for toxic playgrounds

File photo of Beijing No 2 Experimental Elementary School's Baiyunlu campus. An investigation will be carried out on the playground of the school after some students reported bloody noses, dizziness, coughs and rashes. [Photo/IC]

The allegedly toxic playground of No. 2 Beijing Experimental Primary School has been closed after students reportedly fell ill earlier this month. Yesterday the school authorities released the test results, saying the material met the national standards. However, experts pointed out that even though the playground material satisfied the standards, it does not mean the materials used for school playgrounds or running tracks are not toxic. Southern Metropolis Daily commented on Monday:

Similar incidents were previously reported in Shanghai and Guangdong, Zhejiang, Henan, Jiangsu and Sichuan provinces, with students reportedly experiencing nose bleeds, dizziness, coughs and repeated fevers that their parents blamed on toxic playgrounds or running tracks.

The outcomes of the investigations have not convinced most parents that the materials are not toxic.

The tests are very limited and several harmful substances are not tested for toxicity. So being in line with the national standards does not mean the materials used in school playgrounds are non-toxic.

The fact that the playground materials satisfy the national standards yet may still be harmful to students indicates it is the standards that are problematic. The low standards mean profit-seeking enterprises compete with lower prices to win bids can legitimately use cheap but possibly harmful substances. This has resulted in the entire industry embarking on a low-cost and potentially harmful path.

Low standards are a problem in many industries, especially in those where the standards are set by the industry leaders. They end up playing the role of referee while at the same time their teams are the ones playing.