As synthetic turf gains popularity for fields, playgrounds, and even residential yards, hidden health risks are emerging. Beautiful, durable, and low maintenance, synthetic turf might seem like the perfect solution for active families and public spaces. However, recent studies reveal that these surfaces can harbor dangerous bacteria, posing significant risks to children, athletes, and even pets. The good news? With proper measures, these spaces can be cleaned and made safe.
Austin-based turf company Certified Turf Pros recently conducted extensive testing on synthetic turf in public areas and residential yards across the Austin metro area. The findings were alarming—many sites showed contamination levels up to 20 times higher than what is considered safe. Fields, nurseries, and backyards housed harmful bacteria including staph, bacillus cereus (which causes food poisoning), and ringworm.
A Texas Department of Health study found that high school football players in Texas experience MRSA infection rates 16 times higher than the national average. Furthermore, research from the National Institutes of Health shows that MRSA is responsible for one-third of all infectious outbreaks in competitive sports.
Toddlers and pets who regularly come into close contact with turf surfaces may face more frequent and severe infections. Dogs, who frequently lick surfaces, can unknowingly ingest bacteria, while children are particularly susceptible due to their developing immune systems.
Many parents, pet owners, and facility managers still believe that standard cleaning is sufficient to ensure the safety of synthetic turf; however, without regular, detailed testing, it is impossible to confirm these surfaces are truly safe.
Certified Turf Pros is committed to addressing this critical health issue. Using a proactive, science-based approach—including regular testing, effective cleaning, and proper disinfection—it can ensure synthetic turf is truly free from dangerous pathogens. Certified Turf Pros provides professional testing services to assess contamination levels and a remediation protocol to restore safer conditions.
By adopting these measures, families, schools, and communities can significantly reduce the risks associated with synthetic turf. Creating safer environments for children, athletes, and pets is within reach—starting with awareness and a commitment to proactive turf care.
CertifiedTurfPros.com | @certifiedturfpro