Poop boards & PDZ

[GNRMorgans]

The silica and respiratory concerns are the same as the discussion about using DE. As Sweet PDZ contains DE, this is where the issue is coming from. I was using DE and it WAS super dusty - so I can see the issue there. Does anyone find that the Sweet PDZ is really dusty? The Stall Dry isn't dusty at all, which is nice. Silicosis, the respiratory disease that could arise from products containing silica could be life threatening. Has anyone known of this to occur in anyone's flock or individual chickens? It would be interesting to know what the likelihood of the disease would be..

 

[Happy Dad]

Quote:
You are correct that if the dust is not raised into the air by scratching or bathing there should not be a problem but don't be fooled into thinking you have to breath silica for extended periods to be unhealthy. It only takes a very small amount of fine silica to cause serious health problems. I work in an industry that deals with silica and we train on silicosis prevention every year, new hires are also thoroughly trained from the beginning. We heavily preach prevention as there is no cure. http://www.lung.org/lung-disease/silicosis/understanding-silicosis.html http://www.silica-safe.org/ask-a-question/faq

 

[aart]

The silica and respiratory concerns are the same as the discussion about using DE. As Sweet PDZ contains DE, this is where the issue is coming from. I was using DE and it WAS super dusty - so I can see the issue there. Does anyone find that the Sweet PDZ is really dusty? The Stall Dry isn't dusty at all, which is nice. Silicosis, the respiratory disease that could arise from products containing silica could be life threatening. Has anyone known of this to occur in anyone's flock or individual chickens? It would be interesting to know what the likelihood of the disease would be..

Um, I don't think so.........

....but yes, PDZ can be dusty and yes, you should avoid breathing it.
The granular PDZ is much less dusty than the powdered formulation.

 

[Biddiquack]

I couldn't help myself. This is what I found so far:

1)All birds have very sensitive respiratory systems. "Well into the 20th century, coal miners brought canaries into coal mines as an early-warning signal for toxic gases, primarily carbon monoxide" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_sentinel).

2)Quote from [URL]http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=15+1829&aid=2721[/URL] "The respiratory system of birds is more efficient than that of mammals, transferring more oxygen with each breath. This also means that toxins in the air are also transferred more efficiently."

3)Sweet PDZ info sheet: http://shop.2farm.com/pdf/msds/A0001050.pdf.

4)You may also be interested in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's safety card info about one of the listed ingredients, Aluminosilicate : http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ipcsneng/neng0123.html.


Everything I know, I learned from someone else.

 

[Chickalish]

Being in the medical field, I see MSDS sheets regularly. This is the LEAST toxic MSDS sheet I have ever seen, literally. The basic warning is masking, and I'm willing to bet it is meant for when you pour it from the bag when it may cloud, not while it is just laying there. I feel entirely confident that it is not an issue during use and I plan to try it in my new coop. Thanks for the share though because now I see how harmless it actually is vs. just taking everyone's word for it.

 

[tsmith91]

Is the sweet pdz safe if the chickens decided to eat some?

 

[CalgaryFarmer]

The MSDS states "If large quantities ingested, contact physician for permission to induce vomiting". So contact your vet instead.

If your chickens are eating it then remove it from their environment.

 

[CalgaryFarmer]

Chickalish you are correct, as long as your chickens do not breath the dust or eat it or get it in either of their eyes or have prolonged exposure to it then your chickens will be fine.

 

[aart]

The MSDS states "If large quantities ingested, contact physician for permission to induce vomiting". So contact your vet instead.

If your chickens are eating it then remove it from their environment.

My chicks and chickens have lived with this in their environment for 18 months........
......I know they've eaten some of it as they peck in the brooder and on the poop boards, hasn't killed any of them yet, and I seriously doubt it will.

Is the sweet pdz safe if the chickens decided to eat some?

I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[CalgaryFarmer]

Here is the msds for wood shavings.

http://www.awf.com/downloads/MSDS shavings.pdf It states:

Avoid Eye Contact.
Avoid Repeated or Prolonged Contact with Skin. Careful bathing and clean clothes are indicated
after exposure.
Avoid Prolonged or Repeated Breathing of Wood Dust in Air.
Avoid Contact with Oxidizing Agents and Drying Oils.
Avoid Open Flame

As well it states:

Ventilation: Provide adequate general and local exhaust ventilation to maintain healthful working
conditions.
Wear goggles or safety glasses. Other protective equipment such as gloves and approved dust
respirators may be needed depending

Not much better PDZ. But pine shavings do not generate any dust. Does PDZ?