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" WE TESTED sand from backyard sandboxes of nine families across the country, checking for E. coli bacteria and two types of roundworm eggs (Toxocara and Ascaris). These contaminants \u2014 all pathogens from animal and human feces \u2014 could come from leaky diapers, pets, or wildlife. WE FOUND Five samples tested positive for E. coli, and seven for roundworm eggs. The good news: The bacteria in our samples were in very low concentrations, especially when compared with those in published reports of beach and playground sand. There&amp;#039;s still a risk of illness, but simple precautions can reduce the odds. OUR RECOMMENDATIONS To make the sandbox in your backyard safer:  Check babies&amp;#039; or toddlers&amp;#039; diapers frequently for leakage  Teach children not to eat sand, and don&amp;#039;t let them play naked  Wash kids&amp;#039; hands and bare feet after they&amp;#039;ve played (this goes for the beach and playground, too) Cover the sandbox when not in use, to prevent animals from turning it into a litter box Keep sand dry If it gets wet during playtime, leave the sandbox in direct sun to dry (the rays will help kill bacteria)  "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/childrens-products/a18735/ghri-investigates-sandbox-safety/>