What Happens if My Child Eats Kinetic Sand?

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Kinetic sand is a fun sensory toy. It is made of 98% ultra-fine grain sand combined with 2% dimethicone (polydimethylsiloxane). Sand is not poisonous when swallowed. Dimethicone is a silicone compound that is also used in diaper rash creams and is considered minimally toxic. It's also an important ingredient of Silly Putty!

Alone, the two components are fairly uninteresting, but the combination of the sand and dimethicone is where the magic happens. This mixture creates a moldable solid that can hold a sculpted shape for a short period of time. When left alone, kinetic sand will eventually collapse back into a loose sandy mixture. This happens because kinetic sand is a non-Newtonian fluid. A non-Newtonian fluid is loose or liquid when left alone but gets harder under stress, like when you squeeze it. This property allows kinetic sand to be used again and again.

While kinetic sand won't poison a person if they eat it, it does pose a choking hazard, and if large amounts are eaten it can cause constipation. In severe cases, it possible for kinetic sand to cause gastrointestinal obstruction. If someone eats a small amount of kinetic sand, offer a few sips of any drink to rinse the sand from their mouth and into their stomach. The kinetic sand should pass in a bowel movement. If the sand is uniquely colored, it might change the color of the bowel movement.

The following symptoms can occur if someone develops a gastrointestinal obstruction. Seek medical care if any of these symptoms are present:

• Distended or bloated stomach
• Lack of bowel movement
• Vomiting
• Refusal to eat/lack of appetite
• Severe constipation

If you suspect someone has been exposed to kinetic sand and is having a problem, check the webPOISONCONTROL^® online tool for guidance or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.

Lindsy Liu, PharmD
Certified Specialist in Poison Information