Which environment poses a potential risk for Toxoplasma exposure?

Children's sandboxes pose a potential risk for Toxoplasma exposure because they can be a habitat for oocysts shed in the feces of infected cats. Toxoplasma gondii, the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, can survive in the environment for long periods. Since sandboxes often attract neighborhood cats, there is a risk that feces containing the oocysts could get mixed in with the sand.

Young children, who often play in sandboxes and may put their hands in their mouths without proper handwashing, are particularly vulnerable to infection. This makes children's sandboxes a specific environment of concern for Toxoplasma, as they can become contaminated and present a direct risk to children's health.

While litter boxes, public restrooms, and residential gardens can also involve risks associated with Toxoplasma, the likelihood of exposure in children's sandboxes is particularly high due to the combination of environmental contamination and the behavior of young children.