Next to chemical and farm workers, today's children are at the greatest risk from toxic chemicals. Through their normal play activities, children are exposed to a frightening array of toxic hazards, including lead, pesticides, arsenic, and unknown dangers from abandoned landfills and warehouses. Through a series of documented examples, the author of this discussion suggests the need for new policies to be set by public officials at both the state and local levels. These policies concern the determination of playground area sites, construction settings, and maintenance, as well as closure and clean-up of abandoned industrial sites. Also described are extensive policy recommendations dealing with reducing the dangers of (1) parks built on landfills, (2) lead deposits in freeway parks and playgrounds, (3) pesticides used in playgrounds, and (4) wood preservatives in playground equipment. (MP)