Asbestos testing of 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.)
► Additional types of testing to improve detection sensitivity and quantification of asbestos content
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.
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.
Analysis of asbestos in kinetic sand
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.
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.
Identification of asbestos using scanning electron microscope images and energy-dispersive element spectra
Asbestos testing in kinetic sand Scanning electron microscope image of chrysotile asbestos
Asbestos test in kinetic sand Energy dispersive element spectrum of chrysotile asbestos
Testing for asbestos in kinetic sand Scanning electron microscope image of amphibole asbestos, anthophyllite
Testing for asbestos in kinetic sand Energy dispersive element spectrum of amphibole asbestos, anthophyllite
Testing for asbestos in kinetic sand Scanning electron microscope image of amphibole asbestos, tremolite
Testing for asbestos in kinetic sand
Energy dispersive element spectrum of amphibole asbestos, tremolite
