Soils in natural grass fields contain helpful bacteria, which naturally sanitize the surface by decomposing human body fluids, algae and animal excrements. Artificial turf lacks significant populations of these natural cleansers, leaving the job of sanitation to man-made cleansers, which then must be flushed to leave the surface safe for athletic play. But other bacteria, such as that found in sand and rubber infill of artificial turf, can cause infection and even life-threatening health problems. Because sand and artificial turf has a lower microbiological activity than soil, harmful bacteria do not have to compete with beneficial microbes that grow in artificial turf root zones, allowing the harmful bacteria to multiply to dangerous levels, creating an increased opportunity for dangerous infection. Brad Fresenburg, artificial turf specialist from the University of Missouri’s Division of Plant Sciences, describes how synthetic fields are virtual breeding grounds for harmful bacteria due to the combinations of warmth, moisture, sweat, spit and blood.
Soils in natural grass fields contain helpful bacteria, which naturally sanitize the surface by decomposing human body fluids, algae and animal excrements. Artificial turf lacks significant populations of these natural cleansers, leaving the job of sanitation to man-made cleansers, which then must be flushed to leave the surface safe for athletic play. But other bacteria, such as that found in sand and rubber infill of artificial turf, can cause infection and even life-threatening health problems. Because sand and artificial turf has a lower microbiological activity than soil, harmful bacteria do not have to compete with beneficial microbes that grow in artificial turf root zones, allowing the harmful bacteria to multiply to dangerous levels, creating an increased opportunity for dangerous infection. Brad Fresenburg, artificial turf specialist from the University of Missouri’s Division of Plant Sciences, describes how synthetic fields are virtual breeding grounds for harmful bacteria due to the combinations of warmth, moisture, sweat, spit and blood.