Does synthetic turf cause staph infections?
No. According to the SF Department of Public Health’s February 2008 memo, “MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is now a common disease in the community, primarily spread from skin to skin contact, and we are not aware of evidence that suggests synthetic turf as a vehicle of infection. Any type of skin breakdown, including ‘turf burns,’ may provide a portal of entry for infection. Thus, in order to prevent MRSA or other infection, athletes and children should practice standard wound care in the event of turf burn, regardless of the type of turf on which the injury occurs.” The memo was written in consultation with Dr. Erica Pan, a SF Department of Public Health physician expert in MRSA staph bacteria. According to the Synthetic Playfield Task Force Report, Dr. Pan “emphasized that MRSA is not a problem on grass or synthetic turf because people get these infections from skin contact, open sores and contact with other people. To prevent infection, the Department of Public H
