Botanic Garden >> Gardening > >> Question and Answer >> Lawns

Orange Rust Spores on Grass: Safe for Kids and Pets

Parent asks: orange dust (rust fungus) on grass—keep kids off if it returns?

Answer: No. Rust spores are ubiquitous, microscopic, orange-colored. Not toxic. Kids playing on grass = normal exposure. Only risk: if they *eat* handfuls (same as any outdoor substance).

Rust management: Adequate nitrogen, sharp mower, morning water, resistant varieties. But presence ≠ hazard.

Let kids run free.

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