Rather look for beach sand options while shopping.īuy a non-toxic sandbox for your sand. Just thinking about what you may have seen people do on the beach or drop into the sand will make you think twice about trying this. Not only is it illegal to take sand from a beach, but you have no idea what contaminants could be present. However, you may not go to the beach, scoop some into a bag, and take it home. It could contain toxins and is usually courser, making it less pleasant to play in.īeach sand is a good choice because it contains less dust. Stick to white sand as this will allow contaminants like bugs, feces, or anything that shouldn’t be in your sandbox to stand out.Īvoid play sand with the California Proposition 65 label.This is a warning label that indicates the possible presence of silica.Īvoid play sand that says Not Labeled Safe for Sale in California, which means it’s banned from sale and distribution in that state – probably because it’s not as safe as other options!ĭo not use contractor sand, as this is usually processed sand. Sand that has been thoroughly cleaned, filtered, and blasted is not only safer because bacteria have been killed and debris removed, but it also smooths out sand particles, making it more malleable and less dusty. You can add water to counter dustiness, but keep in mind that this can increase the chance of bacteria growth. Make sure the sand you buy is not too fine, as this makes it easier to inhale. Keep an eye out for silica-free sand labels. Here are some of the best play sand brands for your kid's sandbox. If you're ready to ditch the regular sand and switch to safe sandbox sand for your child's health. Keep the toys clean.Īlways cover the sand after play, but if the sand has become wet, allow it to dry before covering it. You can do this by raking the sand before and after use and by removing toys and others items from the sandbox after play. Maintain the sand in your sandbox to avoid these. In addition to the toxins you may find in conventional sand, be mindful of bugs and bacteria in whatever sand you buy. In addition to the concern that the dust could trigger allergies or asthma, it can also cause your child to inhale this dangerous toxin.īreathing in silica may lead to silicosis, as well as lung cancer, pulmonary tuberculosis, autoimmune disorders, and renal disease. Health Impacts of Processed & Conventional SandĮxposure to crystalline silica may be as a result of ingestion, but is usually through inhalation – particularly when the sand creates a lot of dust, as processed sand is wont to do. While processed sand is also washed and filtered, a residue of silica dust may still be left behind. Quartz contains crystalline silica which can be dangerous when swallowed or inhaled. It is derived from gravel pits and quarries, often as a byproduct of mining or construction. Processed sand should be avoided as play sand. You can make your own kinetic sand at home, but this would have to be for smaller, indoor projects as it would use a lot of time and money DIYing kinetic sand for a sandbox! However, kinetic sand comes in small batches and is more expensive. Kinetic sand also goes through several processes to remove contaminants. This helps the sand grains stick together, allowing them to mold well. Kinetic sand is also natural sand but has been made soft and smooth thanks to its coating of non-toxic, silicon-based polydimethylsiloxane. It is coarser than other types of sand, but the cleaning, filtering, and blasting processes make it smoother and ideal for playtime. This type of sand is formed due to the erosion and weathering of small rocks. Natural sand is sourced from beaches, rivers, and deserts. Natural and kinetic sand are usually the best types for play sand. No matter what type of sand it’s composed of, it has usually been cleaned, filtered, and water-blasted to remove contaminants and make it finer and more suitable for play. Play sand can be found in toy shops, garden centers, and hardware stores. Processed sand (sometimes referred to as commercial or conventional sand) There are typically three different types. Whether or not sand is toxic may depend on the type of sand you are putting into your sandbox. Let's explore some things to beware of and a few non-toxic sand brands for your outdoor sandbox. Unfortunately, not all sand is created equally when it comes to safety for children.especially when you've got young children who might be putting the sand in their mouth.
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