Objectives:
The presence of heavy metals in the topsoil of recreational areas intended for use by children and adolescents may result in non-dietary route of exposure to toxic elements. This is especially important when playgrounds and playing fields are established in highly industrialized areas, such as the area of Upper Silesia. The aim of the study was to estimate the level of non-dietary exposure of children and adolescents to selected heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Hg and Zn) as a result of secondary dusting of the topsoil resulting from the use of playgrounds and sports fields in the Księża Góra recreation area in Radzionków.

Material and methods:
The research material were soil samples collected from recreational areas located in the city of Radzionków. The samples were mineralized and the concentration of Cd, Pb and Hg was determined. Based on the results, the exposure of children and adolescents to the examined heavy metals through non-dietary route was estimated.

Results:
Among all the tested samples, 88% of the samples had concentrations higher than the allowable values of cadmium in soils, while in the case of lead it was 78% of the samples. The results of the assessment of exposure indicate that 46% of soil samples create the risk of adverse health effects from exposure to lead (hazard quotient – HQ > 1).

Conclusions:
Soil samples from Radzionków indicate high pollution with heavy metals, as evidenced by concentrations significantly exceeding the allowable values, which, due to non-dietary exposure, is a significant risk factor for children’s health. Adequate protection of recreational areas against dusting and control of heavy metals content in children’s play areas is particularly important, and would allow minimization of non-dietary negative impact of environmental hazards on the health of children and adolescents.