If you have artificial grass in your garden, listen up.
With the heatwave in full swing, and temperatures expected to reach 40C in some areas of the UK this week, Brits are being warned about artificial grass, which can soar to temperatures as high as 60C when in direct sunlight.
It's important to remember just how hot your grass can get, especially if you have young children and pets in your family.
A warning about artificial grass was first shared last year by company Aura Landscapes, who explained the kinds of temperatures the grass can reach.
"Artificial grass has rapidly grown in popularity over the last few years, largely due to its low maintenance benefit and as a result, 3 in 4 homes have now replaced part or all of the gardens’ natural turf," they explain.
"We have been having a very hot Summer in the UK and this has an impact on artificial grass. In the picture below you can see just how hot the artificial (plastic) grass can get compared to natural turf.
"Please bear this in mind if you have children or pets. If the artificial grass is reaching these temperatures it can cause burns and can render itself un-useable in higher temperatures."
The photo claims that while real grass reaches highs of 38.1C in the sun, artificial grass can reach temperatures of a whopping 62.3C.
The post was also shared by Facebook page, Mini First Aid, who warned: "Don’t burn those toes!
"Did you know that the hot weather can have an impact on artificial grass. In the picture below you can see just how hot the artificial (plastic) grass can get compared to natural turf."
And others were quick to comment on the post, with some who have artificial grass explaining they hose theirs to keep it cool.
One person wrote: "We have artificial grass. I hose it down to cool it and if the kids are barefoot on it so am I so that I can monitor the temperature."
This week sees the first ever red heat warning issued by the Met Office.
The extreme temperatures carry a health risk to everyone in the UK, not just those who are typically more vulnerable to heat or those with existing medical conditions.
Extremely high temperatures could lead to 'population-wide adverse health effects' and a 'high risk of failure of heat-sensitive systems and equipment'.
This could potentially mean power cuts, and a loss of other vital services such as water could be on the horizon.
.png)
