I was in the East Bay Vivarium (CA) today & bought a 5lb bag of horticultural sand for the new beardie I am getting Tues. (She's a pastel German Giant, 11-12 inches). They said they use it for their animals at home & that it's good for animals, but I get home & read the bag which says "this product contains respirable crystalline silica known in the state of California to cause cancer." I am debating whether or not I should use this sand or if I should go to Home Depot & get the regualr playground sand or another substrate but what if that contains the silica stuff too? I don't want my beardie to accidentally eat some & get really sick, so I don't think I want to chance it unless it's 100% safe.
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1.0 green water dragon, 0.4 leos, 1.0 adopted iguana, 0.1 beardie,
2.0 green anoles, 1.0 blue anole & 2.2 bettas ~My Pets~
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"horticultural sand" as substrate... contains carcinogenic crystalline silica???
Replies (1)
If this sand can cause cancer in humans, it will most likely do the same to your dragon. ALso, remember YOU will be the one inhaling the dust from this sand as well, when you change it, spot clean, remove it etc. Also, every time you or anybody in your family handle your dragon, they could be exposed to the potential dangers of this sand. Silica dust is very harmful to human lungs...I would recommend taking it back and get a refund and use a less risky substrate to you, your family and your dragon. Plastic Tablecloth is great.
