From the Guidelines
Safety of Infants Playing in Soil
It is not entirely safe for infants to play in soil due to the risk of infection from pathogens like Cryptosporidium and Toxoplasma 1.
- The primary concern is the potential for infants to ingest soil contaminated with these pathogens, which can lead to severe infections.
- Hand-washing after gardening or other contact with soil is recommended to reduce the risk of cryptosporidiosis and toxoplasmosis 1.
- Infants should be kept away from areas with animal feces, as these can be a source of Cryptosporidium 1.
- Parents and caregivers should be aware of the risks associated with soil contact and take precautions to minimize exposure, such as washing hands frequently and keeping the infant's environment clean.
- In areas endemic for histoplasmosis or coccidioidomycosis, infants should avoid activities that involve disturbing soil or creating dust 1.
From the Research
Safety of Infants Playing in Soil
- The safety of infants playing in soil is a concern due to the potential presence of toxicants and pollutants in the soil 2.
- Infants are uniquely susceptible to these toxicants due to their increased exposure through mouthing activities, increased body surface area, and immature immune and elimination systems 2.
- Soil pollution can come from various sources, including automotive and industrial emissions, agricultural and domestic activities, and contaminated house dust 3, 4, 5.
Risks Associated with Soil Pollution
- Exposure to pollutants in soil can lead to chronic illnesses such as asthma, loss of intelligence, ADHD, and cancer in children and adults 3.
- The concentration of pollutants in house dust can be 2-32 times higher than that found in the soil near a house, making it a significant source of exposure for infants 3.
- Some soils may present a toxicological risk for humans, with high concentrations of metals such as lead, chromium, and arsenic exceeding health-based standards 4, 5.
Mitigation Strategies
- Improved home cleaning and hand washing can reduce infant exposure to pollutants in soil and house dust 3.
- Using vacuum cleaners with HEPA filtration and dirt finders can help monitor and reduce dust exposures 3.
- Removing contaminated soil and replacing it with clean soil can also mitigate the risks associated with soil pollution 5.