Throw away suspicious older toys. Do not donate them to charity. Be wary of giving young children old toys passed down through the generations. Soil Dirt in a play area or yard can become contaminated with lead if the home has deteriorating lead paint on it or if lead paint was sanded or scraped off at some time in the past. Play areas near a busy road may be contaminated with residual lead from car exhaust when leaded gas was used.
Lead never decomposes or goes away.
It must be removed or covered to prevent exposure from soil lead. Have children play in grassy, covered areas, not near bare soil. Unless the levels of lead are extremely high, bare soil areas may be made safer by planting grass or a ground cover. Sometimes, materials such as crushed stone are effective. Planting shrubs will help remind children not to play in an area near the foundation of the house or other contaminated areas.