“What kind of sand should an artist use for sand animation?”
Artists often use toxic materials without even realizing it. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of the hidden dangers of your art materials.
Artists are responsible for self-education when using materials that are new to them. Everyone must take personal responsibility in dealing with the dangers of their desired materials. Often, the things that work the best are the most dangerous. Vincent Van Gogh was known to have put his paint brushes in his mouth, causing himself to suffer from chronic lead poisoning. This likely contributed to his delusions and hallucinations.
Sand Artist | Charlene Lanzel
Use common sense and do adequate research before using any art materials that are new to you.
Be safe… enjoy your art, and enjoy life!
Here’s a WARNING for potential sand artists:
Please be aware of the possible dangers of sand...
The recognition of respiratory problems from breathing in dust dates as far back as ancient Greece.
Don't just go to the beach and pick up a bucket of sand to start practicing! Make sure that the sand you use for sand animation does not contain "free-silica". This is a dangerous dust that can cause Silicosis, which is a form of lung disease caused by inhalation of crystalline silica dust. Free crystalline silica is one of the most common minerals in the earth's crust. It is found in sand and many rocks.
If your sand “sticks” to you, and creates a lot of dust, or makes you cough, it probably contains free-silica. But, don't worry, you can easily get free-silica free sand from many reputable sand dealers.
Look for sand that is free-silica free and safe for kids!
I heard from Chris Culhane, who is the Outreach Coordinator at www.consumernotice.org, who provided me with some additional information to share with everyone interested in sand animation:
“Silica is a mineral found in many common products and fine silica dust particles can penetrate the lungs, leading to a variety of health complications such as COPD, lung cancer, and more. Certain occupations such as construction workers, masons, and more are the most at risk for exposure due to their use of products containing silica dust.
We recently created a guide to silica dust to help educate others on the risks, where they can be found, and more. Please take a look:
https://www.consumernotice.org/environmental/silica-dust/
I am also including our guide on silicosis, a lung disease caused by silica dust exposure for reference:
https://www.consumernotice.org/environmental/silica-dust/silicosis/”