Researchers from the University of North Georgia recently have published a study in the American Journal of Infection Control which found significant bacterial growth in pediatric physical therapy ball pits. The researchers were able to find over 30 different species of bacteria including those bugs responsible for causing pink eye, urinary tract infections and other common infections.

Researchers collected samples from six ball pits from various physical therapy clinics across Georgia and found microorganisms on all the balls collected. Interestingly enough, bacterial growth varied from clinic to clinic.

While there were microorganisms found on all the balls swabbed, some had very few. Scientists found that there are no standards or directions of cleaning these ball pits, which poses the question to a parent what should I do?

It should be noted that many of the bacteria found on the balls were part of the normal flora. Being exposed to normal flora bacteria is only a concern to those children who are immunocompromised or have an open wound researchers said.

For others, being exposed to bacteria can be a good thing one researcher believes that being exposed to these bacteria can actually improve a child’s immune system.

This study does not recommend keeping your children out of the ball pit, but instead reminds the parent to use common sense and wash your hands!

For more information please visit WebMD.

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