Diatomaceous Earth question

[7L Farm]

I told you it would turn into an argument. DE is no cure all but it has its place so use it if you want.It helps me with my garden but you do have to reapply thats my scientific observation.

 

[flowerchild59]

Please check my link to my signature line regarding parasites. Yes I still use DE to help prevent parasites and as a food supplement because it is beneficial with trace minerals. I still worm my flock routinely.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Quote:
Some of those "trace minerals" are highly toxic materials:

It has Barium:

Quote:
Small amounts of water-soluble barium may cause a person to experience breathing difficulties, increased blood pressures, heart rhythm changes, stomach irritation, muscle weakness, changes in nerve reflexes, swelling of brains and liver, kidney and heart damage.
Read more: http://www.lenntech.com/periodic/ele...#ixzz1mFTDrT45

It has Lead:

Quote:
Lead may cause a range of health effects, from behavioral problems and learning disabilities, to seizures and death
http://www.epa.gov/lead/

It has Mercury:

Quote:
Health effects of mercury. Mercury exposure at high levels can harm the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and immune system of people of all ages.
http://www.medicinenet.com/mercury_p...ng/article.htm

It has Cadmium:

Quote:
Cadmium is an extremely toxic metal commonly found in industrial workplaces, particularly where any ore is being processed or smelted. Due to its low permissible exposure limit (PEL), overexposures may occur even in situations where trace quantities of cadmium are found in the parent ore or smelter dust
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/cadmium/index.html

It has Phosphorus:

Quote:
Phosphorus was formerly commonly contained in rat poisons and roach poison. It may also be contained in some fireworks, but those containing phosphorus are now outlawed in most states.

Phosphorus poisoning causes burning pain in the mouth, esophagus, and stomach. Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting with the taste and breath odor of garlic occur. The vomitus and later the stools and urine may appear luminous because of their content of phosphorus. Damage to the liver and kidneys is extensive.
http://www.wikihealthy.com/poisoning...poisoning.html

It has Zinc:

Quote:
Even though zinc is an essential requirement for a healthy body, excess zinc can be harmful, and cause zinc toxicity.[1] Excessive absorption of zinc can suppress copper and iron absorption. The free zinc ion in solution is highly toxic to plants, invertebrates, and even vertebrate fish.
The Free Ion Activity Model (FIAM) is well-established in the literature, and shows that just micromolar amounts of the free ion kills some organisms. A recent example showed 6 micromolar killing 93% of all Daphnia in water.[2]
It has Lithium:

Quote:
Signs of lithium overdose or poisoning are:

1. Persistent diarrhea.
2. Vomiting or severe nausea.
3. Coarse trembling of hands or legs.
4. Frequent muscle twitching such as pronounced jerking of arms or legs.
5. Blurred vision.
6. Marked dizziness.
7. Difficulty walking.
8. Slurred speech.
9. Irregular heart beat.
10. Swelling of the feet or lower legs.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zinc_toxicity

It has Manganese:

Quote:
Manganese effects occur mainly in the respiratory tract and in the brains.
Symptoms of manganese poisoning are hallucinations, forgetfulness and nerve damage.

Manganese can also cause Parkinson, lung embolism and bronchitis.
When men are exposed to manganese for a longer period of time they may become impotent.

A syndrome that is caused by manganese has symptoms such as schizophrenia, dullness, weak muscles, headaches and insomnia.
Read more: http://www.lenntech.com/periodic/ele...#ixzz1mFbwy7ji

The other 99.452% is "Acid Insoluble Matrix", which means material that does NOTHING at all.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

 

[momgoose]

Hi all, Some important additional information about DE as well as a little of my own experience using DE, that might help you decide whether or not to use it on your flock:

"Diatomaceous earth consists of fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae. It is used as a filtration aid, mild abrasive, mechanical insecticide,[2] absorbent for liquids, matting agent for coatings, reinforcing filler in plastics and rubber, anti-block in plastic films, porous support for chemical catalysts, cat litter, activator in blood clotting studies, and a stabilizing component of dynamite. As it is also heat-resistant, it can be used as a thermal insulator."......

"The type of hazard posed by inhalation depends on the form of the silica. Crystalline silica poses a serious inhalation hazard because it can cause silicosis. Amorphous silica can cause dusty lungs, but does not carry the same degree of risk as crystalline silica. Natural or dried diatomite generally contains very low percentages of crystalline silica. Diatomite produced for pool filters is treated with high heat (calcining) and a fluxing agent (soda ash), causing the formerly amorphous silicon dioxide to assume its crystalline form.
NOTE--The crystalline silica content of the dust's particulate is regulated in the United States by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and there are guidelines for the maximum amounts allowable in the product and in the air near the breathing zone of workers.[19]".
INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diatomaceous_earth#Marker_in_livestock_nutrition_experiments (Wikipedia: search word-"diatomaceous earth")

As quoted DE is fossilized diatomes hence the name "Diatomaceous". It is 90-95% silica and although silica does cause silicosis, other forms of silica are not as detrimental. It works to kill pests with ectoskeletons by eroding the outer shell of the insect and causing dehydration and by destroying their breathing apparatus (I don't know if bugs really have lungs since they breathe from under their abdomens). It is especially effective on crickets, roaches, etc. but probably works on smaller insects as well. They also breathe the stuff when they crawl across it.
Because I have an anaphylactic reaction to 'kissing bug' bites I use it under my stove, fridge, and other low furniture (and other areas my dogs can't access). I never use it where they sleep or sniff nor do I use it in my own bedroom. Putting it in 'cat litter' just seems dumb to me and I wouldn't buy that stuff.
I dust Pack Rat nests with DE liberally about a day or two before I remove them to kill as many kissing bugs in those nests as possible BEFORE I remove the little buggers blood source.
I live in a rural area, surrounded by large. open, heavily vegetated desert in NE Tucson so packrats, rabbits and other pesky rodents have plenty of places to hide from aerial attack.

I use DE, but very carefully and I don't let my animals breathe it. I wear protective clothing, mask AND goggles when I am dusting anything, then wash any exposed skin afterwards. I supposed if I was raising meat chickens, I might dust them with DE-they'd be on the plate before the dust could cause any permanent damage, but I won't use it on or around my laying hens or other animals that Breathe

!!

 

[momgoose]

Yes exactly, it's a choice just like using other insecticides. It DOES kill bugs that's for sure.