I have been looking into finding safe sands for play and have found that most play sand for the sandbox can certainly come with better quality. Silica is quartz, but the most important concern is free silica dust or crystalline silica and asbestos. Play sand with dust most likely have one or both of these, and they are a hazard to a child's developing lungs. These sharp glass-like particles become trapped in the lung tissue causing scar tissue, slow progressing lung disease and cancer. Now workers who work on a regular basis with these elements are more likely to develop this problem, but that doesn't mean that it is okay for our children to play with such dangerous sand particles. I have found some sands which may be safe including Sandtastik and Safe Sand. These however may have asbestos even though they are silica free, and are expensive. The MSDS for these state that the ingredient for the sand is used to make fiberglass and other such products, and that the main ingredient is feldspharic inorganic minerals. Many white sands contain asbestos and/or crystalline silica dust unless stated otherwise...very rare for them to state free of both dangers.

Well, the best I have found so far is Crayola colored play sand. I called the company n2m group who makes the sand, and have found that the quartz particles are rounded by tumbling for 45 minutes, is 100% asbestos free and free of crystalline silica dust particles, the dye is acrylic based and safe, the product does not stain though it may appear so as the tiny particles wedge into areas, is washed and goes through a dust collecting process, does not require that warning label for lung disease, and is certified with high standards and well tested. Completely non-toxic AND irritant free. There was one case where two children broke out in a rash...they ended up being allergic to sand in general. It had nothing to do with the colors or quality, and was an isolated case. For anyone looking for this good quality sand, it is only currently sold at Wal-mart and soon Toys R Us. So far this is the only sand I will use.

Most other sands I have found are Quikrete, Play Sand from Fairmount Minerals, and Beach Sand brand from Busy Beaver. I have been unsatisfied with their quality. Most are not tumbled to round the edges, or are only tumbled for 12 hrs....not near the 45 minutes used to prepare Crayola sand, which makes Crayola sand much more reassuring.

My question is, does anyone else have knowledge of equal quality sands, and what is your experience with Crayola sand?
My sandbox has a lid and I have not had any problems with cats, etc. Anyway, my question is specific and not about potential pest/sanitary problems. I have done my research. I appreciate answers specific to my question. Thank you
The Toys R Us sand is likely the Play Sand brand from Fairmount minerals. I found that it did contain a hazard based on the msds sheet. Also Crayola is the only sand so far that has significantly rounded edges. A good thing. Some people might not like the colors getting into the yard though...it is more noticeable. I'm more concerned about safety though

Can this be harmful way down the road?
so ive ben reading alot about asbestos and silica and dust and long term exposure causing lung disease and death
well, the A/C unit in my part of the house is VERY OLD ,and is SOOOO dusty...alll of te "grilles" ,the white metal bars where the air comes out always has alot of dust around it, espeically under it, and the ac unit closet itself is really dusty, so it leads to think that dust is constantly being blown by the A/C
to make matters worse, i think the duct is made out of abestos
ALSO...i think the duct may pass through the attic which is full of white wool, glass wool, rock wool, or something. the ac duct is right above my bed(and theres a second not far off)
is all that dust abestos(if it is actually asbestos) im breathing in now going to affect me later in life? and kill me? im 17, ive lived in this house for 14 years.
my questions are
-what is this stuff, abestos,what?
-if im 17 now, will it really last into my 80s?
-health risks?
-signigifcance of exposure?
-is there a lung test i can do, to see if i have these pieces?
house built in 1930s, but renovated in mid 90s

so ive ben reading alot about asbestos and silica and dust and long term exposure causing lung disease and death
well, the A/C unit in my part of the house is VERY OLD ,and is SOOOO dusty...alll of te "grilles" ,the white metal bars where the air comes out always has alot of dust around it, espeically under it, and the ac unit closet itself is really dusty, so it leads to think that dust is constantly being blown by the A/C
to make matters worse, i think the duct is made out of abestos
ALSO...i think the duct may pass through the attic which is full of white wool, glass wool, rock wool, or something. the ac duct is right above my bed(and theres a second not far off)
is all that dust abestos(if it is actually asbestos) im breathing in now going to affect me later in life? and kill me? im 17, ive lived in this house for 14 years.
my questions are
-what is this stuff, abestos,what?
-if im 17 now, will it really last into my 80s?
-health risks?
-signigifcance of exposure?
-is there a lung test i can do, to see if i have these pieces?
the house was built in the 1920s or 30s, but obviously it has been redone many times. i do think the A/C duct is asbestos though; wouldnt the dust got blown in my room?

http://imageupload.com/~imageupl/show.php/100713_Picture1.png.html

It was taken with my Holga at the Northampton State Hospital (closed down insane asylum) in Massachusetts. The sign says "Asbestos, cancer, and lung disease."

Thanks

Information about asbestos lung cancer provide that there is no cure for asbestos lung cancer as the disease is detected very late in its development stage. Therefore eliminating chances of survival in the stage wherein the disease can still be controlled. What remains to be the only solution in the battle against asbestos lung cancer is to stay away from asbestos and minimize exposure as much as possible. Prolonged asbestos exposure causes lung cancer. However, the effects of the exposure develop and progress through the years and manifests only after the development is in its later stages. Asbestos exposure causes lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis, along with many other similar diseases which are related to the respiratory tract. Needless to say, prolonged or repeated exposure can prove to be fatal.

Asbestos exposure causes damage to the lungs and other vital organs in the respiratory system. This is manifested by oughing, a pain in the chest wall, abdominal pain, a swollen abdomen, the existence of fluid around the lungs, dramatic weight loss, fatigue, among others. All of which are common symptoms in lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.

More often that that, these individuals who are suffering from asbestos cancer are those individuals who are poor enough to begin with. Individuals who gamble their lives and health in hopes of providing for their families. Which is why it is alarming to know that these same individuals who suffer from poverty are the ones who are more easily subjected to asbestos cancer. . Justice is needed to be served, or at least the proper compensation for these victims of asbestos cancer.

For more information and tips on Asbestos Lung Cancer visit the website, http://asbestos-lungcancer-information.com

Hey i am planning on going into the Northampton State Hospital in Massachusetts soon to take pictures, but they have signs around and on the buildings saying Asbestos, cancer, and lung disease. I am only going in for about an hour, but I don't want to get contaminated. What would be the proper face-mask to wear? I was thinking about those ones the doctors use or the paper ones you can buy from home depot. Are these safe? I'd rather not go and buy a face mask.

Thanks
Thanks for the tip, I didnt think that amount of time would be bad... The place isn't being worked on, it's just sitting there empty so the asbestos fibers shouldn't be disrupted.