If You Think Playgrounds Are Cleaner Than Public Restrooms, Think Again!

May 24, 2016

One would think a children's playground is a relatively clean place, right? Think again! A number of studies have shown that playgrounds are actually dirtier than public restrooms. Why? It's simple – public restrooms are constantly cleaned in some sort of manner – even the one at the gas station on the I-20W – but playgrounds? Not so much! After all, who would think that the slides, trampolines, playsets, and playhouses that children play on are reservoirs for all kinds of bacteria and viruses? If you stop and think about it, then you'll realize it's not so far-fetched. Playgrounds are almost always outdoors, exposed to a number of visitors besides children like rats, squirrels, cats, pigeons, roaches, and other creatures that leave feces, urine, and any diseases they may carry as they go by. There is also the issue of kids' bodily fluids, such as phlegm, saliva, the occasional blood drop, etc.

Health researchers around the world have carried out studies evaluating the number of germs present in children's playgrounds, and the results have been consistent. A study carried out in Europe found that high numbers of bacteria were continuously present in playgrounds, with more than 40% of playgrounds considered unsanitary and dangerous, according to minimum sanitary standards. Furthermore, according to ABC News, Good Morning America performed a little study themselves, collecting 60 samples from 12 playgrounds in four US cities and testing them at the NYU School of Medicine. According to the results, all samples contained fecal flora, while Salmonella, Shigella, Hepatitis A, E. coli and noroviruses were found in some of the samples. All of these can be ingested by our children when they put their hands in their mouths. While small amounts of bacteria can actually be beneficial, this is a risk that few are willing to take.

This doesn't mean you should stop taking your kids to the playground or dump the playsets, trampolines, and slides you might have at home. Playing is an important part of childhood. It helps kids develop motor skills as well as social skills, and playgrounds are an important part of that. They provide our children with the social interaction and physical challenges they need to become healthy adults.

Luckily, there is a simple, practical solution to playgrounds' germ issues. It's called Germinator, and here is our revolutionary patent-pending process.

Germinator's Patent-Pending Process

Germinator has developed a patent-pending process that provides a new generation of microbial protection for commercial businesses and residents.

Germinator's patent-pending methodology is the most unique and cost-effective means of providing enhanced antimicrobial protection for businesses and residences. The company first tests surfaces for ATP using a luminometer to detect light that can come from cellular activity. This measurement immediately provides the level of clean on a surface.

The next step is the application of Germinator's Genesis surface treatment. Genesis is a one-step cleaner and broad-spectrum sanitizer and disinfectant treatment that harnesses the power of hypochlorous acid (HOCl). Derived from naturally occurring minerals, Genesis not only eliminates odors at their source but kills a wide range of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, MRSA, Salmonella enterica and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and viruses including norovirus, rotavirus, and adenovirus on hard, non-porous, environmental surfaces. It meets the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC) germicidal spray standards for Hospital Grade Disinfection and is on the EPA's N List of products determined to meet the criteria for use against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. As a result, this treatment will eliminate bacteria and viruses that may reside in your environment without the use of harsh chemicals or fumes.

Following Genesis, Germinator applies its Shield, a water-based quaternary ammonium compound that imparts a durable bacteriostatic finish. It is EPA-registered as effective against mold, mildew, algae, and odor-causing bacteria. This application creates an invisible barrier that helps combat deterioration and discoloration and promotes freshness for up to three months.

The Genesis and Shield products are applied by using an electrostatic sprayer, which is the most efficient and effective means of delivering the products to the intended application sites. After Germinator's surface treatment and protectant services, the company retests ATP levels to help ensure the surfaces have achieved the intended results.

Our goal is to provide you and your family with a more comfortable and hygienic environment. So, if this sounds like something you want, give us a call at 855-NO-GERMZ (664-3769) or fill in the form below to contact our offices and find out more about the services we offer. Remember to always stay in touch by liking our page on Facebook at Facebook at Germinator, following us on Twitter @GerminatorMS and Instagram @GerminatorMS. If you want to stay tuned for the latest information about Germinator, subscribe to our Newsletter.