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Sandbox Sand Safety Issues

Tots playing blissfully in a sandbox are a familiar childhood image. Kids still love the sandboxes, but many parents have become concerned about the quality of the sand. They worry about exposing their children to a health risk, particularly crystalline silica. This is especially true in California, because Proposition 65 requires that carcinogens in products for sale be labeled.

  1. Types of Hazards

    • Many types of sand contain crystalline silica, one of the most abundant minerals on earth. The disabling, irreversible and sometimes fatal disease of silicosis is contracted when dust and fine particles of crystalline silica are breathed into the lungs, where they are trapped in the tissue and stay for many years. Silica is not inherently dangerous, but California requires a warning label because it has been shown to be a carcinogen under certain conditions. The fact that many play sands available for sale today are not natural sand but are derived from quarried quartz rocks is one of the main parental concerns. A second type of hazard can make the sandbox unhealthy, and that is contamination of the sand by animals such as cats or infestations by insects or spiders.

    Other Opinions

    • Some mothers who are scientists think the concern about crystalline silica is overblown. One scientist mother says it is the small particles inhaled over a period of many years that are the problem. She believes that the percentage of inhalable particles in any bag of sand is unlikely to be cause for concern. Another mother who is an organic chemist suggested that a parent concerned about silica dust should put the sand in a shallow tub and cover it with water. The fine silt and dust will float to the top and can be poured off before the sand is dried and put in a sandbox (see Reference 2).

    Child's Play

    • Trucking through the sand

      Young children are lower to the ground and nearer to the sand, and the sand is nearer to their faces. Their lungs are still developing. Proper use and care of a well-constructed sandbox is important. It should have a tight-fitting cover that is kept closed when not in use. It should have a good drainage system so that the sand does not become excessively wet and become a breeding ground for harmful organisms or mosquitoes. An adult should inspect the sand by raking it before young children enter, and an adult should be present during playtime.

    Recommendations

    • The Children's Health Environmental Coalition (CHEC), an organization based in California, has issued some tips about sandbox play (see Reference 1). Look for river or beach sand, usually found at landscape and gardening stores. Fine-grain sand may be sold as #30 grit sand, but CHEC doesn't like any fine sand that may give off easily ingested dust particles. Some parents use coarser sand that does not have much dust or use another filler, such as pea gravel. Be prepared: Neither is as much fun for the kids. Whatever sand is used, it should be changed at least once during the play season. Some companies specialize in safe sandbox sand guaranteed to relieve parental anxiety (see References 3 and 4).

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