SportsTurf provides current, practical and technical content on issues relevant to sports turf managers, including facilities managers. Most readers are athletic field managers from the professional level through parks and recreation, universities.
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/726375
STMA IN ACTION News from the Sports Turf Managers Association 38 SportsTurf | October 2016 www.sportsturfonline.com TOOLS & EQUIPMENT T U R F U P D AT E Disinfecting/sterilizing synthetic turf Editor's note: This article was written by Stan Moscrip, general manager, GreensGroomer Worldwide (smoscrip@ greensgroomer.com). O ver the past few years, there have been many disagreements concerning synthetic turf and the need for disinfection. Just as the need for maintenance, de-compaction, and GMax/HIC criteria has evolved over time, so has the argument for disinfection and sterilization. I speak with turf managers and owners every day that have very strong opinions, both pro and con concerning this issue. I read the vast majority of the studies produced in the industry, and all seem to have their merits and validity. At the end of the day, the issue seems to come down to prevention and peace of mind, which are personal preferences. The common denominator in thoughts concerning disinfection is the fact that harmful bacteria of all types are present in athletic facilities. Indoor facilities, showers, locker rooms and training rooms with hydrotherapy tubs can be breeding grounds for a host of microorganisms. From viruses such as hepatitis, HIV, and influenza to bacteria such as MRSA, E. coli, salmonella, and staph, due diligence is required to provide a safe environment for the athlete. Sweat, blood, mucous, and vomit are a part of sports, and it seems logical that these elements should at least be dealt with in some form or fashion of cleanliness. With that in mind, these are a few types of solutions to the disinfection of synthetic turf athletic fields. The most common application, until very recently, is to spray a solution of an anti- microbial disinfectant over the entire field. It's the same thought process as an indoor wrestling facility that disinfects the mats that they will use for practice and competition, but on a much larger scale. Many reputable companies offer disinfection products that the Westinghouse Corporation in an effort to use UVC bulbs primarily in hospitals for sanitation. Built around the idea of exposing bacteria to germicidal ultraviolet lights with powerful exposure, this method of disinfection is used daily in hospitals, water treatment facilities, and a host of other industries. It gained very early approval from the FDA and the US Department of Agriculture. The mobile units that are currently available are simply pulled across the synthetic turf field with a common tow vehicle, at a pre-determined rate of speed for maximum effectiveness. The attractiveness with the use of UVC is that it not only disinfects the turf, but sterilizes it as well. The result of using UVC properly is also that it breaks the molecular bond of a microorganism, not only destroying it, but also all associated DNA. Therefore there is no chance for a resistant strain to develop. The basic premise behind the use of UVC is the complete eradication of a microorganism and destroying it from replicating into one of the "Super Bugs" that we seem to hear about in the news so often. UVC has also been a popular choice in areas around the country that are in water conservation mode. As mentioned earlier, the decision to disinfect synthetic turf athletic fields is often a personal choice, based upon belief. I know many turf managers who use any one of the techniques described that show results that please their respective programs. Many facilities use a combination of these techniques to combat microorganisms; they simply have made the commitment to make disinfection/sterilization of their turf facilities a part of the overall maintenance plan for the safety of their synthetic turf fields. Regardless of the "percentages" or leaving things to chance, they choose to perform preventative maintenance and keep a record of such treatments. There may never be a definitive answer to the question of the prevalence or even the existence of harmful microorganisms in synthetic turf of any kind, but the issue can't simply be treated as "out of sight, out of mind." can be tank-mixed and applied to the turf. Turf managers are very familiar with this type of application. It uses the same functions and application techniques as on their natural turf fields with the use of herbicides, fungicides and pesticides. As with any application using a spray technique, due diligence is required from beginning to end. Take the time to investigate and compare the various products available. Once a product is selected, follow exact label rates for the product to perform as expected. Remember, treat this application of product just as you would any other; it is a requirement to notify all parties involved with the actual use of the field. Allow sufficient drying time of the product on the blades of turf and upper level of the infill before use of the field continues. Watch the weather as well, as wind drift is an issue at many facilities, along with the possibility of rain prematurely washing away the product. "Natural" treatments for synthetic turf have also entered the marketplace. One common type is to apply enzyme proteins to a surface. Enzymes act as a catalyst that start a natural process, or accelerate an existing one. The thought here is that enzymes are not living microorganisms, but are "living energy," capable of breaking down molecules such as bacteria, mold, viruses, or germs. Companies promoting products such as this state that natural/organic products can be used to replace the use of chemicals, with fewer possible side effects. A critical reading of the materials and information regarding these products show a product that is neutral pH, non-toxic, and non- caustic. These products are applied as a spray application, similar to the use of the disinfectant previously mentioned. USING UVC TECHNOLOGY The newest form of disinfectant in regards to synthetic turf is the use of UVC technology. Although the use of UVC for this purpose is relatively new to the turf industry, it is not new to many other industries that use it for sanitation. It was developed in the early 1900's, and became readily available in the 1930's by