Studies have shown high levels of roundworm egg contamination in public sandpits and playgrounds, and levels increase during the hot summer months. Animal faeces are often the cause of contamination.
Without proper hygiene procedures, children using play areas and sandpits may digest roundworms or their eggs. In most cases, roundworm does not cause any severe symptoms or lasting implications and can be treated easily with over-the-counter medication. In some cases, when large amounts of roundworm eggs have been ingested, more serious complications can occur; however this is very rare in the UK.
WHAT PRECAUTIONS SHOULD WE TAKE TO PROTECT CHILDREN?
• Young children should be supervised at all times to prevent them consuming any sand.
• Hands should be washed after sand play.
• Indoor sandpits should be covered with tight fitting lids when not in use to prevent nocturnal visitors from entering the sandpit at night.
• Outdoor sandpits should be covered with heavy duty tarpaulins to prevent cats or other animals from using them.
• Internal sand pits should be cleaned every 4 weeks. The sand should be removed and the tray filled with water and sterilising tablets and left overnight. The following day, the sterilised solution can be emptied. The tray should then be rinsed and, once dry, it can be filled with fresh sand.
• Similarly, every 4 weeks external sandpits should be emptied, disinfected and filled with fresh new sand. It may need to be cleaned more frequently, depending on usage.
• Playground areas should also be washed down with water and disinfectant on a regular basis.