(WKBW/Cleveland Clinic) The backyard seems like a relatively safe place for children to play, but there are some hidden dangers parents may not realize.
Doctors say that kids need to know at an early age that mushrooms in the lawn are dangerous. They say they are potentially poisonous and even a small amount ingested can kill.
Also, although the wood industry began phasing out the use of arsenic back in 2003, doctors say there are still many aresenic-laced play sets, decks and picnic tables around.
The Environmental Protection Agency says arsenic poses an increased risk of cancer for kids, so if your deck is older, seal the wood every year or cover your picnic table with a tablecloth.
Doctors also say don't keep toys under older decks because the arsenic leaches out with every rainstorm, leaving toys sitting in a puddle of arsenic, as the kids play with them.
