Disinfecting Your Synthetic Turf Field During COVID-19

As a synthetic turf field owner, you might be wondering – what is the best way to create a safe playing surface during the COVID-19 pandemic? In our role as sports field construction professionals, we too have been faced with this challenge. As a result, we have outlined what we know and what we recommend that you consider. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the coronavirus is believed to spread predominantly from person-to-person, specifically those that are within about six feet from one another. This occurs through droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. It also might be possible for a person to contract coronavirus by touching a surface or an object that has the virus on it and then touching their facial features. It’s important to note, this is not thought to be the main method for the spread of the virus but the CDC is still actively learning. (1)

Coronavirus is known to last longer on some surfaces or materials than others. Of all the surface materials studied, coronavirus was shown to have the longest life on plastic and was shown to last up to 72 hours. (2) While human coronaviruses can remain infectious on inanimate surfaces at room temperature for up to 9 days, temperatures of 30°C/86°F or more can decrease duration. Additionally, surface disinfection procedures can inactivate the virus. (3)

There appears to be consistent information regarding degradation of coronavirus under sunlight. Intense UV light is being evaluated as a method to disinfect public transportation means. Although this research is inconclusive regarding COVID-19, sunlight seems to be a viable disinfectant. Therefore, if the field is outdoors and has not been in use for multiple weeks, treatment likely is not needed as the virus will not live that long on a surface and UV light will likely extinguish it. (4)

With all this said, we want you and your community to be comfortable – and if applying a disinfectant to your field achieves this, Motz is here for you. It is important to consider that any treatment applied will only address the virus that exists currently, and cannot prevent future exposure.

Before taking action and treating your synthetic turf field, it is important to check with your surface provider to ensure the product being selected is safe for the field’s components and will not damage the surface or void the warranty.

Our Motz365 Turf Care Experts are happy to answer questions regarding best practices for disinfecting. Should you decide that disinfecting your field is within your game plan, we offer packages to suit your needs.

  1. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/how-covid-spreads.html
  2. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMc2004973
  3. https://www.journalofhospitalinfection.com/article/S0195-6701(20)30046-3/fulltext
  4. https://www.stma.org/disinfecting-sports-fields-natural-grass-and-synthetic-turf/

 

Resources Around Synthetic Turf Field Disinfection

Motz has been fielding questions regarding disinfection on synthetic turf surfaces even before the inception of COVID-19. With concern around this topic heightened, we have put together a list of frequently asked questions and answers, along with resources for you to reference.

Frequently Asked Disinfection Questions
What is the effect of surface temperature on the coronavirus?
According to an LA Times interview with an expert in infectious disease, the SARS virus, a close relative of the virus of COVID-19, is inactivated at temperatures of 132.8 to 149 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the World Health Organization, heat at 132.8F quickly kills the SARS coronavirus. Synthetic turf fields regularly reach temperatures beyond 132.8F during the summer months.
What is the effect of ultra violet (UV) on the coronavirus?
According to the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine, a particular type of UV light (UV-C) is effective at killing viruses similar to the coronavirus. While lab studies have not been completed on the C-19 strain of the virus, sunlight is assumed to be as effective at killing this virus as it does other viruses.
How long does coronavirus last on plastic?
According to the New England Journal of Medicine, of all the surface materials studied, coronavirus was shown to have the longest life on plastic and was shown to last up to 72 hours
Do anti-bacterial sprays kill the coronavirus?
First, it’s important to know that bacteria and viruses are different as are the approaches to addressing them. Bacteria refers to single-celled organisms that produce their own energy and can reproduce on their own. Viruses invade healthy cells and make people ill. They do not have cells of their own - they are made up of one or more molecules surrounded by a protein. Most antibacterial sprays do not kill viruses. A few products have both antibacterial and antiviral capabilities and the labels will indicate which they are effective in killing.
Can a product with a built-in antimicrobial kill the coronavirus?
Treated articles (such as infill or turf with permanent anti-microbial technology) may not make claims regarding viruses.
Is the disinfectant used by Motz365 effective against coronavirus?
Yes. It is on EPA’S N-List for effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Because SARS-CoV-2 is a new virus, this pathogen is not readily available for use in commercial laboratory testing to see if a certain disinfectant product is effective at killing the virus. While surface disinfectant products on List N have not been tested specifically against SARS-CoV-2, the cause of COVID-19, EPA expects them to kill the virus because they demonstrate efficacy (e.g. effectiveness) against a harder-to-kill virus or they demonstrate efficacy against another type of human coronavirus similar to SARS-CoV-2. Like other disinfectants, there is little or no residual left on the surface after the 10-minute contact time.
What product does Motz365 use for synthetic turf field disinfecting services?
Motz365 uses a product called ProGienics for our disinfection service
Frequently Asked Disinfection Questions - Downloadable Guide

Looking for a resource to share with your team regarding synthetic turf field disinfection frequently asked questions? CLICK HERE  to download a PDF guide.

Motz365 Disinfection Services

If you ultimately decide that you want to have your synthetic turf field disinfected, Motz365 offers options to fit your needs. Complete the form below and a Turf Care Expert will reach out to discuss a plan of action that aligns with your goals.

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