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QUICK FACTS 🎉
- Kinetic sand is non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and safe for kids.
- Kinetic sand may pose health challenges if inhaled or eaten in large quantities.
- Other alternatives exist to using kinetic sand if you are uncomfortable with the sensory toy.
- Visit Homeresult.com to see more guides like this.
The number of learning materials for children is increasing daily. While this is good news for educators and parents, it might also be a call to pay close attention to these materials. One such is the Kinetic sand.
Kinetic sand is non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and safe for kids. It has even been used in therapy for children with autism and sensory processing disorders. Although kinetic sand is not toxic, it can lead to choking when it is eaten. It may also cause constipation if ingested in large quantities. However, there have been some reports of skin irritation after contact with the sand. If you experience any irritation, please discontinue use and consult a physician.
With the increasing popularity of Kinetic Sand, some parents are left wondering if this mesmerizing toy is safe and non-toxic. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll dive into the composition of Kinetic Sand and explore whether or not it poses any health risks to children.
What Is Kinetic Sand?
Kinetic sand is a type of sand that is said to be magical and therapeutic. It is mainly used as a sensory toy created and used by children. It is made up of 98% sand and 2% polymers. The polymers in kinetic sand allow the sand to flow smoothly and slowly without getting stuck together.
The kinetic sand is designed to help children’s senses get stimulated as they form different shapes and build other things with the sand.
There are three main ingredients in Kinetic Sand are;
- Sand: The base ingredient and makes up most of the mixture.
- Polydimethylsiloxane: This is a type of silicone that helps to bind the sand together. This silicone is also present in different diaper rash creams. However, it is often regarded as minimally toxic.
- Titanium Dioxide: This white pigment is added to color the sand.
What Are The Benefits Of Kinetic Sand For Children?
The following are some benefits of using kinetic sand, especially for children;
1. It Encourages Creativity
The kinetic sand is a unique and nice way to allow your children to explore their creativity. It also gives them the space to use their imagination to build as much as they want.
2. Easy And Clean
The kinetic sand is soft and easy to mold. It is the perfect play tool for your kids, allowing them to relax and have fun most easily. It is also easy to clean as the sand only doesn’t stick to clothes or their hands. It only sticks to itself.
3. Great Development
One of the most important benefits of using kinetic sand is improving the child’s motor skills. It also enhances hand-eye coordination. The child can focus on something for a long period.
Possible Health Risks Of Kinetic Sand
Kinetic sand is indeed safe for your children to play with. However, it may also pose some health risks to the users, considering the following;
Some Producers of kinetic sand do not disclose the ingredients used in making their product. As a result, you cannot ascertain if there is a toxic substance in the product.
The source of the sand used can pose a health risk because regular sands obtained from quarries may contain crystalline silica, and inhaling this can lead to lung disease. While there are other sources of sand, you can not be sure where the sand in your kinetic sand comes from.
The possible health risks include;
- Inhaling Kinetic sand can lead to Lung disease as a result of the presence of silica in the sand.
- Kinetic sand also often contains tiny beads or glitter, which can be a choking hazard for children.
- If ingested, kinetic sand can cause an upset stomach or other digestive problems.
- In rare cases, contact with kinetic sand may cause an allergic reaction.
Alternatives to Kinetic Sand
A few options are available if you’re looking for an alternative to kinetic sand.
- One option is to use regular sand, easily found at any beach or home improvement store.
- Another option is using a different modeling clay type, such as Play-Doh or Model Magic.
- Finally, you could use ingredients like cornstarch and food coloring to make your kinetic sand.
How to Make Kinetic Sand At Home
- 2 ½ Cups of sand (safe sand, white play sand, beach sand, or river sand)
- ½ il (Baby oil, vegetable oil)
- 1 ½ cups of cornstarch.
Steps
- Pour the sand and cornstarch into a bowl and mix them.
- Add in the oil and mix it. Continue to mix until all is smooth and sticky to one another.
- Add in your food coloring (If you want to) and mix until the color has been applied to every part.
What Happens When Children Eat Kinetic Sand?
Children eating Kinetic Sand may experience gastrointestinal issues like vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, eating Kinetic Sand can also lead to choking and difficulty breathing.
If your child has eaten Kinetic Sand and is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.
Safe Ways To Play With Kinetic Sand
When it comes to kinetic sand, there are a few things to keep in mind to play safely.
- First, avoid eating the sand. While it is non-toxic, it can be a choking hazard.
- Second, keep the sand away from your eyes and nose. Inhaling the fine particles can irritate your respiratory system.
- Finally, wash your hands after playing with the sand to avoid skin irritation.
Is Kinetic Sand Toxic To Animals?
No, kinetic sand is not toxic to animals. The main ingredient in kinetic sand is silicone, which is non-toxic and safe for animals to ingest.
Many veterinarians use silicone products to help soothe and heal the skin of dogs and other animals.
Final Thoughts
After researching the ingredients in Kinetic Sand, It is safe to say that Kinetic Sand is safe to play with. However, there is still so much back and forth on the authenticity of kinetic sand and how safe it is for kids.
Some studies have shown that the chemicals in kinetic sand can be toxic, while others have not found any harmful effects.
Until more research is done, it is up to parents to decide whether or not they want their children to play with kinetic sand. If you or your child are experiencing any adverse effects after contact with kinetic sand, it is best to consult a doctor.
