Sharps discarded in inner city parks and playgrounds--risk of bloodborne virus exposure

The objectives of this study were to determine the number of discarded syringes found in four parks in Southwark, South London, over a specific time period and to test their contents for the presence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV). Of 106 syringes collected over a four-month period, evidence of HBV was detected in 4.7% (5/106) and HCV in 4.7% (5/106). Urban children, park users and workers are at risk of contact with sharps which may be contaminated with both viruses. Park users need more information on what to do in the event of an injury, and park workers should be immunised against HBV and educated on safe disposal of sharps.