HEALTH CONCERNS

Laboratories have identified a variety of harmful agents in sports equipment that include Staphylococcus Aureus, Staphylococcus Epidermidis, Streptococcus Viridans, Streptococcus Faecalis, Enterics, Coliform, yeast, fungus and mold.

There has been a noticeable increase in infectious disease outbreaks in schools that have a direct connection to sports equipment. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued new recommendations for schools to routinely clean sports equipment in response to outbreaks of infectious MRSA. This form of Staphylococcus Aureus is easily transmitted via towels, sports equipment and direct contact. Professional athletes in both football and hockey have been hospitalized with bacterial infections.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PROFESSIONAL CLEANING SPORTS EQUIPMENT

The rotten smell often associated with sports equipment is caused by sweat, mucus, dander, blood, dirt and sports drinks that soaked into the equipment.

The mix of proteins and organic matter is an ideal breeding ground for the growth of bacteria, mold and fungus. These three contaminants pose a health threat to the player as they can enter the body through cuts and abrasions and cause serious infection.