What about our lungs when breathing in DE???

McGoo

Crowing
17 Years
Sep 19, 2007
1,503
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346
Mid Hudson River Valley, NY
Not sure where this belongs.

So I'm wondering if any of you are like me and don't wear a mask when sprinkling DE and turning over the shavings in the coop? There's a lot of dust that clouds up.

I noticed a warning on the container that recommends wearing a mask.

The reason that I ask is that I've had a cough and sinus infection for >6weeks and I'm wondering if my laissez-faire attitude when cleaning up the coop could possibly the reason... or at least a factor.
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Love to know what you do/think. Thanks
 
I haven't ever used a mask.
How much DE and how often are you applying?
We don't "turn over" shavings - we let the chickens scratch through it. We apply DE in the hen house and in the dust bathing pool and use a half gallon container for the 6' round pool filled with sand, dirt and wood shavings.
 
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I make my husband deal with the DE, I have asthma and I am scared to death of DE, but it works. I always were a mask when cleaning the coops. I know a lot of people that just hold their breath when they are using DE and they don't seem to have a problem.
 
You can have problems with DE. (make sure by the way that you ONLY use human-grade consumable fresh water DE - never pool grade or garden grade). You can also get an infection from the chicken dander and dust. It's called Farmer's Lung colloquially. Any time you stir up bedding, wear a dust mask.

I stir mine in because it should be for the birds' lungs who are even more sensitive than ours. (Yes, birds have lungs - as well as an extensive breathing mechanism of pneumatic bones). But I always wear a mask.

I prefer to use permethrin powder under and in the bedding. And use DE in the dust bathing areas.

By the way, be sure to flush your sinuses. I got a horrible sinus infection and bronchitis from my barn once. Smelled like thrush, deadly smell, horrible. It persisted until I used a flush for my sinuses. There are Neti-pots now available at most Walgreens. It's great stuff for poultry owners!

I hope you feel better.
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take care.
 

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