Danish retailers’ magic sand tested free of asbestos

Magic sand products sold by Danish retailers contain no asbestos, according to new tests by consumer watchdog Forbrugerrådet Tænk, published Tuesday. However, one product purchased from an international seller via Amazon was found to contain traces of the hazardous material.

The tests covered 30 types of modelling sand—also known as kinetic or magic sand—with 15 sourced from Danish retailers showing no asbestos contamination. Among 11 products bought from online marketplaces such as Amazon, AliExpress, and eBay, one shipped directly from a Chinese seller via Amazon contained tremolite, a form of asbest. The detected amount was seven times below the EU’s 0.1 percent limit for toys, Tænk reported.

The watchdog also tested four decorative sand art products, three of which contained asbestos—including both tremolite and chrysotil fibres. Due to the loose consistency of decorative sand, Tænk warned of a higher inhalation risk and advised against its use by children.

In response to the findings, Tænk recommended consumers purchase magic sand only from Danish retailers, avoid online marketplaces with sellers outside the EU, and dispose of any asbestos-contaminated products. The group also suggested cleaning affected areas with a damp cloth to prevent dust inhalation.

Amazon did not respond to Tænk’s request for comment.