Is Diatomaceous Earth Dangerous?

Diatomaceous earth (also called fossil shell flour or diatomite) is a material found in sedimentary rocks. It occurs naturally in seabeds (saltwater DE) or dried floors of lakes and rivers (freshwater DE), and is a soft material rich in silica that easily crumbles into a powdery form. Diatomite primarily is the fossils of hard-shelled algae or one-celled plants (phytoplankton) and has multiple industrial and household uses.

Is Diatomaceous Earth Dangerous?

• Diatomaceous earth has high absorbing property and can dry out hands and skin, so you should not handle it without gloves or appropriate cover for protection.

Health Hazards

• Certain varieties of diatomite (particularly the flux-calcined form) have higher concentrations of sharp-edged crystalline silica, which can result in severe respiratory problems and silicosis, and even cancer of the lungs, if you get exposed to it without wearing a dust mask. As a result, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulates the level of crystalline silica that can be present in the dust particulate. Even with small exposure, it can result in irritation of the eyes and skin.

Water Pollution

• Certain algae in the coastal waters constitute the diatomite. Rapid and excessive growth of algae can contribute to severe water pollution as they choke out native aquatic plants. They form a thick layer over the surface of the water that sunlight cannot penetrate to the bottom of the water. The water turns green. Besides, algal bloom causes severe oxygen depletion in water. Furthermore, a few species are also known to produce domoic acid, a nerve poison that can quickly cause death to many animals if ingested.

Makeup of Diatomaceous Earth

• The chemical name of diatomaceous earth is "diatomaceous silica." It is a powder produced from diatomite. Particle size of diatomite is generally finer than 45 microns, and can be as low as microns.
  The major chemical constituents of diatomaceous earth include silicon dioxide (86.30 percent by weight), while other compounds present are aluminum oxide (4.50 percent), iron oxide (1.57 percent) and calcium oxide (1.43 percent).

Uses of Diatomaceous Earth

• Diatomaceous earth has many applications. Absorbing nitroglycerine in diatomite makes it more stable; this mixture is commonly known as dynamite. Since it has high porosity and contains microscopically small hollow particles, it very commonly serves as a filtering medium in swimming pools, water treatment plants and fish tanks. This fine powder structure can absorb lipids from the waxy outer layer of insects, so people also use it as a pesticide in gardens and agriculture. People also commonly use diatomite as an abrasive, and given its low conductivity, as an insulator as well.