The pools and ball parks are a paradise for children. They love to wallow in them and "bury themselves" under the plastic balls, and it is a perfect plan to enjoy an afternoon of leisure.
But according to a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of North Georgia, Ball pools are a nest of germs and bacteria, some of which could be dangerous for humans.
Up to 31 different types of bacteria have been identified
The study, published in the professional scientific journal American Journal of Infection Control, analyzed six ball pools used in clinics and hospitals for pediatric physical therapy, very similar to those found in recreational parks or restaurants.
The objective of the study was determine the type and number of mycoorganisms They could be found in these pools, and compare if the findings were common in all of them.
To do this, nine to 15 balls from each pool were randomly selected, collected at different depths. After obtaining the samples by smear with a swab, they were cultured in the laboratory for 24 hours and the analysis was carried out.
Investigators identified numerous types of bacteria in each ball, including normal human skin bacteria, opportunistic pathogens, enteric bacteria (those that inhabit the intestine) and even organisms associated with animals.
In Babies and more Do you know the sandboxes of the parks? Don't put your hands in your mouth, seriously Specifically, a species of yeast was identified (Mucilaginous Rhodotorula) and 31 different bacterial species, some of them very dangerous for humans, such as:
Enterococcus faecalis, which can cause endocarditis, septicemia, urinary tract infection and meningitis.
Staphylococcus hominis, responsible for bloodstream infections and sepsis.
Streptococcus oralis, responsible for endocarditis, respiratory distress syndrome in adults and streptococcal shock.
Acinetobacter lwofii, causing septicemia, pneumonia, meningitis and urinary tract and skin infections.
The risks that all these bacteria pose they increase especially in children with skin lesions (since the skin is a portal of entry for different microorganisms) and immunosuppressed people. In addition, as this study focuses on therapeutic ball pools, it is worth mentioning the potential risk that these pathogens may also have for children who use them.
And then, do we stop taking the children to the ball parks?
I have never liked these types of enclosures, mainly because they are overwhelming when they are overcrowded, how easy it is to lose sight of children, and because the little shoves, falls and blows to the little ones are almost always assured.
However, the conclusions of this study have surprised me, since I did not expect that there could be so many bacteria per ball or ball. I am aware that germs are everywhere, and that necessary and beneficial that is for healthy children Getting in touch with them, it helps to develop their immune system.
But to think that my children may be playing in an environment with stool, vomit or pee, among other things, it has impacted me a little. That's the truth.
According to the study, for minimize the risks associated with this type of germs and bacteria, standardized cleaning protocols should be developed. But, in general, the cleaning of this type of enclosures is not usually daily, and often not even weekly, which leads to microorganisms to accumulate and reproduce at high speed.
In Xataka Science Fecal matter and other things that are in the poolsThen what do we do? Do we ban games in ball parks?
Of course not. At least I will not, because I know that my children enjoy this activity very much, apart from being beneficial for their psychomotor development. But I will continue doing what I have always done after spending an afternoon in these types of enclosures: wash their hands with soap and water immediately afterwards (especially if they are going to eat), bathe them when they get home, and wash all their clothes.
And you, have you also been surprised with the amount of germs that can be found in ball pools?
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