Uses of Diatomaceous Earth
Diatomaceous earth is composed of fossilized shells. It comes in different types, which vary in composition and particle size. Of these types, food grade, which contains little crystalline silica, and "pool grade" silica, which contains much more crystalline silica, are common. Diatomaceous earth is filled with tiny pores and sharp edges. These characteristics enable a multitude of applications.
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Pest Control
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Diatomaceous earth of the non-consumption type provides a protective barrier to pests such as cockroaches and scorpions. This unprocessed diatomaceous earth is spread in areas of pests' secret places and along their pathways. It acts as an insecticide to unwanted insect visitors such as cockroaches or scorpions, as it cuts into their bodies and dehydrates them.
Agriculture
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Farmers add food grade diatomaceous earth to their animal feed, as it kills insects that might be in the feed. Farmers also place diatomaceous earth in the feed for the health of the animals, as it is used to de-worm the animals, and may be nutritive. Also, diatomaceous earth is an anti-caking agent.
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Additive
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Diatomaceous earth is abrasive, therefore it is used in such things as polish for metal, face soaps and toothpaste. People also eat food grade diatomaceous earth, putting it in food before consuming it. They eat it to destroy internal parasites, also believing that this will improve their absorption of nutrients from food.
Filtration
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Inventors have successfully used "pool grade" diatomaceous earth as a filtering substance within a filter for such things as swimming pools and fish tank filters, as it catches particles as small as three to five microns. As the water passes through diatomaceous earth, the small pores act as a trap for the dirt. This grade has been treated both with heat and with chemicals, and shouldn't be ingested.
Absorber
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Diatomaceous earth works well as an absorbent. This property makes it viable for cleaning up spills and as cat litter. Diatomaceous earth's absorbency is such that the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention uses it for toxic spills.
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References
- USGS Mineral Resources Program: Diatomite
- Permaculture Articles: Diatomaceous Earth (Food Grade): Bug Killer You Can Eat!
- Get Set, Inc.: Safe Controls For Scorpions: Intelligent Controls For Scorpions
- "Dear Dirt Doctor: Questions Answered the Natural Way"; Howard Garrett; 2003
- "Diatomaceous Earth Filtration For Safe Drinking Water"; George P. Fulton; 2000
- Wolf Creek Range: Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth Facts & Information
