DiaFil (Fresh Water Diatoms)

You are looking at a picture of the basic raw material from which Safe Solutions, Inc. products are made. These are the skeletal remains of the diatoms found in Safe Solutions, Inc. product. The picture was made by a Scanning Electronic Microscope (SEM). The SEM is a truly remarkable instrument which enables us to visually evaluate the quality of the many types of diatomaceous earth (DE) being mined today. There are many species of diatoms each with its own unique physical makeup and shape; ranging from barrel-like forms to flat discs. Before we go any farther let’s find out how DE is scientifically defined:

“”Diatomaceous earth is a mineral product mined from the fossilized silica shell remains of unicellular or colonial algae from the class Bacillariaphyccae, better known as diatoms “

The diatomaceous earth pictured above shows a well preserved, impurity-free DE product.  Not all DE’s are of the same quality many variations are found.  The wide disparity of quality that exists among various deposits of diatomaceous earth stem primarily from the following causes:  the species of diatoms comprising the sample, the age of the deposit, the presence of various impurities and the extent of skeletal deterioration.

With so many grades and types of DE on the market is it possible for you to make an intelligent choice?  What steps can you take to ensure that the DE you buy is safe for your animals, safe enough to protect your stored grain, and last but far from least, gives you the most value for your DE dollar? If you take the following steps you will be able to make the right decision.

Step One:

Make sure the DE you use is AMORPHOUS DIATOMACEOUS EARTH (ADE). In an article on DE in COMMON SENSE PEST CONTROL QUARTERLY, published by BIRC, Volume III, Number 1, Winter 1987, the matter of safety is explored. We quote:

“Both swimming pool grade and natural diatomaceous earth come from the same fossil sources but they are processed differently. The natural grades are mined, dried, ground, sled and bagged.  The pool grade is chemically treated and partially melted and consequently contains crystalline silica which can be a respiratory hazard. Thus, IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT ONLY NATURAL DIATOMACEOUS EARTH BE USED FOR INSECT CONTROL. This noncrystalline silica is not a hazard as the human body apparently can dissolve it. “

“Silicosis refers to lung contamination and irritation by crystalline of free silica (Si02). Crystalline describes the orientation of the Si02 molecules which occur in a fixed pattern in contrast to the non periodic, random molecular arrangement defined as amorphous. Exposure to free silica is an occupational hazard to workers. “

Step Two:

Make sure the DE you use meets World Health Organization (WHO) safety standards. WHO cautions that DE with a crystalline silica content over three percent (3%) is dangerous for ingestion by humans or animals. Safe Solutions, Inc. DE has less than 1% free silica. Swimming pool DE ranges from 60% to 70% free silica.

Quote from Steve Tvedten's "The Bug Stops Here":

DIATOMACEOUS EARTH (DE) - Diatomaceous earth is a mineral product mined from the fossilized silica shell remains of unicellular or colonized algae from the class Bacillariaphyceae, better known as diatoms. There are many different companies that sell DE. The Author recommends the product sold by Safe Solutions, Inc. Most registered DE has pyrethrin and pipernoyl butoxide (PBO). Some unregistered (without pyrethrin and PBO) food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) is safe enough to be eaten, yet will kill most crawling insects. Be sure you have the best quality. Make sure the DE you use meets World Health Organization (WHO) safety standards. WHO cautions that DE with a crystalline silica content over three percent (3%) is dangerous for ingestion by humans or animals. Safe Solutions, Inc. DE has less than 1% free silica. Swimming pool DE ranges from 60% to 70% free silica. The Author does not recommend the use of swimming pool DE. Safe Solutions, Inc. food-grade DE can be used as a dry dust or wettable powder. To make a wettable powder mix, use 4 tablespoons of product per gallon of water and add a ¼ teaspoon of Safe Solutions, Inc. Enzyme Cleaner per gallon of mix. 

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