Why specifically FOOD GRADE diatomaceous earth??

[mamabahre]

I was just wondering. I have not found a store yet that sells it! Some sell just regular DE but not the FOOD GRADE...

I am just curious why it has to be food grade...I am researching the stuff and reading a lot there but haven't figured out that question yet, although there must be a reason because everyone insists it has to be food grade! I am thinking I would like to use it to help prevent parasites/fly problems...

 

[patvetzal]

I ordered mine from the Co-op. Had to buy 50lbs, used about five lbs in the past four years.
Could be the non-food grade has additives (poison) to kill bugs quicker..???

 

[mamabahre]

Quote:
Hmm if that were the case, wouldn't you be able to buy organic regular DE and not food grade? Or is that not good enough yet, as far as purity goes...

I'm not trying to be difficult I am just thinking it out!
Thanks for your input..

 

[GiddyMoon]

The pool grade is too milled and refined to do what it needs to do..I have never seen anything labeled organic DE...by definition, the item is already organic.

 

[mamabahre]

Quote:
I meant if it had poisons and stuff added could it have been organically "made" too...

So is the good grade like a superfine powder then? I have never even seen the stuff...

 

[GiddyMoon]

Quote:
I meant if it had poisons and stuff added could it have been organically "made" too...

So is the good grade like a superfine powder then? I have never even seen the stuff...

DE is ground up diatoms, like little exoskeletons for algae. That's all it is. If it is put in another product, like for bugs, etc and labeled as something different, then it would not simply be DE. It is usually sold under the name Perma Guard. Pool grade DE is too fine to use.

"What is Diatomaceous Earth?
Diatomaceous earth is a remarkable, all-natural product made from tiny fossilized water plants. Diatomaceous Earth is a naturally occurring siliceous sedimentary mineral compound from microscopic skeletal remains of unicellular algae-like plants called diatoms. These plants have been part of the earth's ecology since prehistoric times. It is believed that 30 million years ago the diatoms built up into deep, chalky deposits of diatomite. The diatoms are mined and ground up to render a powder that looks and feels like talcum powder to us. It is a mineral based pesticide. DE is approximately 3% magnesium, 33% silicon, 19% calcium, 5% sodium, 2% iron and many other trace minerals such as titanium, boron, manganese, copper and zirconium. Diatomaceous Earth is a natural (not calcined or flux calcined) compound. Diatomaceous Earth is a natural grade diatomite. However, the continual breathing of any dust should he absolutely avoided. "

http://www.ghorganics.com/DiatomaceousEarth.html

 

[mamabahre]

thank you for the excellent information!

 

[ivan3]

Pool grade contains ~20% crystalline silica (the stuff that can, if inhaled enough, result in silicosis). Amorphous Diatomaceous Earth (`feed grade') contains <1% crystalline. Celite and Perma-guard are two of the big manufacturers.

For the cheapest price in your area you might perform a search, here (DE and `STATE'/~City) a member from your area might have already posted location of an outlet.

For more than you probably want to know (but price info might be of use):

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=294680&p=2 (post #20) https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=295586&p=2 (posts #'s 11/20/22).

ed:sp

 

[Nikkumz]

Ebay it....I looked on ebay and found like 10 lb bags for $10 and some even cheaper

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

DE is approximately 3% magnesium, 33% silicon, 19% calcium, 5% sodium, 2% iron and many other trace minerals such as titanium, boron, manganese, copper and zirconium. Diatomaceous Earth is a natural (not calcined or flux calcined)

That information is not even CLOSE to being correct.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diatomaceous_earth

The typical chemical composition of oven dried diatomaceous earth is 80 to 90% silica, with 2 to 4% alumina (attributed mostly to clay minerals) and 0.5 to 2% iron oxide.[1]

When you research a product, it's better to go to an unbiased source rather than one tryng to SELL you their product​