SportCoatings, a division of the Coatings Specialist Group (CSG), has unveiled TurfAide, a new antimicrobial for synthetic turf systems.

Using AEGIS Microbe Shield technology, TurfAide is said to control the growth of a broad spectrum of all known bacteria, mould, fungi and algae on treated infill particles of sand or rubber and synthetic grass fibres.

When applied to synthetic turf systems, TurfAide imparts an invisible, odourless layer of active antimicrobial that will not leach any chemicals or heavy metals into the environment and will not rub off onto a player's skin.

Employing effective antimicrobial solutions has become a priority for athletic directors, coaches and parents as media attention and public concern has grown over the risks associated with bacteria, including staph infections, in athletic environments. Bacteria can come from a variety of sources and can be easily transmitted from one environment to another and fields of play are not immune to that reality.

Registered with the EPA, the AEGIS Microbe Shield has been safely used in consumer goods including shoes and medical applications for more than 30 years.