What Happens If My Child Eats Kinetic Sand? - Poison Control

What is Kinetic Sand?

Kinetic Sand is made of 98% ultra-fine grain sand combined with 2% dimethicone (polydimethylsiloxane). Dimethicone is a silicone compound that is used in some diaper rash creams and is considered minimally toxic. It is also an important ingredient in Silly Putty! Alone, sand and dimethicone are uninteresting, but the combination 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 a substance that is loose or liquid when left alone, but gets harder under stress, such as when you squeeze it. This property allows Kinetic Sand to be used repeatedly.

Is Kinetic Sand poisonous?

While Kinetic Sand is not poisonous if eaten, it does pose a choking hazard, and if large amounts are eaten, it can cause constipation. In severe cases, it is possible for Kinetic Sand to cause gastrointestinal obstruction. If someone eats a small amount of Kinetic Sand, it should pass in a bowel movement. If the product is uniquely colored, the dye it contains might change the color of the bowel movement. This is not harmful.

Symptoms of a gastrointestinal obstruction include:

• distended or bloated stomach
• lack of bowel movement
• vomiting
• refusal to eat or lack of appetite
• severe constipation

How to make safe Kinetic Sand.

If you can find the ingredients, it is possible to make your own version of Kinetic Sand. Learn how!

My child ate Kinetic Sand. What should I do?

If you suspect someone has ingested Kinetic Sand, check the webPOISONCONTROL online tool for guidance or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222

Lindsy Liu, PharmD Certified Specialist in Poison Information

Revised William G. Troutman, PharmD Professor of Pharmacy Emeritus

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