While some moms worry about their kids being exposed to germs, they probably don’t think twice plopping them in a sandbox for some fun time with friends. Well, it turns out they probably should.
New research shows that sandboxes are just ripe with all different kinds of bacteria, parasites and other infectious germs. Just how bad is it? Well, the study out of Spain tested sandboxes in the area and found that the bacteria Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) was present in almost 53% of them. The bacteria is known to cause such problems as mild diarrhea to even inflammation of the colon, which can be life-threatening.
Of course, that’s not all. Previous research has found that sandboxes contain certain parasites that can cause flu-like symptoms, as well as pinworms and roundworms, which in rare cases can cause neurologic damage and death.
Dr. Marc Siegel, a professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center in New York City, calls sandboxes "swimming pools without disinfecting chlorine,” but notes that there are easy ways to protect your child from such sandbox germs. He simply suggests folks wash kids hands, or use disinfecting wipes, both before and after sandbox fun.
Source: CBS News