Analysis of asbestos in play sand, kinetic sand | © CRB Analyse Service GmbH

Play sand, kinetic sand

Kinetic sand and colorful play sand can be found in many children's rooms and kindergartens. Recent studies show that imported goods can contain significant amounts of asbestos. Since February 2026, the North Rhine-Westphalia Consumer Advice Center and Stiftung Warentest, among others, have been warning about this. 

CRB reliably tests kinetic and colored sand for asbestos for you: Simply send in a sample and quickly find out whether your material contains asbestos.

Our services for you

  • analysis for asbestos carried out by qualified scientists in our own accredited laboratory 
  • short processing time, as a rule, 4-6 days after sample receipt
  • court-proof asbestos analysis
  • regular participation in collaborative studies in the field of asbestos analysis

 

Costs for asbestos testing of kinetic sand, play sand

Testing as a powder sample in accordance with guideline VDI 3866, sheet 5 for € 85.00 net (€ 101.15 VAT incl.)

Identification of asbestos using scanning electron microscope images and energy-dispersive element spectra

Frequently asked questions about asbestos in play sand, craft sand, and kinetic sand

Why is kinetic sand being pulled from the market?

Kinetic sand is taken off the market if it contains harmful substances such as asbestos. In such cases, manufacturers or authorities respond with warnings and recalls of the affected products to protect health.

CRB GmbH | samples for asbestos analysis | © CRB Analyse Service GmbH
Samples for asbestos analysis, © CRB GmbH

What types of asbestos are found in kinetic sand?

Kinetic sand may contain the types of asbestos anthophyllite, tremolite, or chrysotile.

How high is the asbestos content of kinetic sand?

Kinetic sand often contains traces of asbestos, up to several percent of the pollutant.

How can I tell if kinetic sand contains asbestos?

Asbestos fibers cannot be detected in kinetic sand with the naked eye. The only way to reliably detect asbestos in play sand is therefore to commission a professional asbestos test.

Which kinetic sand contains asbestos?

This mainly affects play sand from China that is sold as “Magic Sand,” “Rainbow Sand,” “Kinetic Sand,” “Glow Art Sand,” or as material for Montessori sand play tables.

How can I have kinetic sand tested for asbestos?

Simply register your sample on our online portal and send the sand sample to our experienced testing laboratory. Within four to six business days, you will receive a legally binding analysis report on the asbestos content of your sample.

CRB GmbH | Samples for asbestos analysis 2 | © CRB Analyse Service GmbH
Sample plate of the scanning electron microscope with preparations for asbestos analysis, © CRB GmbH

What is the danger of play sand containing asbestos?

Contaminated sand poses a health risk because children can inhale carcinogenic asbestos fibers while playing. Parents should check whether the play sand products they use have already been recalled from brick-and-mortar stores and, if unsure, have samples tested in a laboratory.

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SAMPLE TYPES
We offer asbestos analyses for material and dust samples, samples from air and liquids as well as special analyses for rocks, asphalt, plasters & fillers.

Find detailed information on the sample types here.
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PRICES
Asbestos samples can be prepared starting at € 62.00 net. Costs depend on the effort and type of samples.

Our price list provides you with a detailed overview.
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Sampling & Shipping
Samples must be taken carefully, individually packaged and easily identifiable for our laboratory with the order number of the respective material.

Our step-by-step instructions will help you.