New research, published in the American Journal of Infection Control, found "considerable microbial colonisation" in ball pits in paediatric physical therapy clinics, which are similar to those found in play centres. To determine just how filthy they are, researchers from the US examined six ball pits located in inpatient physical therapy clinics around Georgia. It's not the first time ball pits have been identified as a playground for pathogens. One previous US study found an increased level of normal flora, as well as non-human flora, within ball pits at fast food restaurants. "Disinfection protocol and proper handwashing are the keys to making ball pit play areas safe for children," the authors wrote at the time.

Source: Stuff March 26, 2019 09:33 UTC