Maximizing Small Bathroom Storage

WHAT IS DIATOMACEOUS EARTH?

Diatomaceous earth (say that five time fast!) is a natural product made up of the fossilized skeletal remains of tiny, aquatic organisms called diatoms. Diatomaceous earth forms over a long period of time as millions of diatom organisms fossilize in lake beds.

HOW DOES DIATOMACEOUS EARTH WORK TO GET RID OF INSECTS?

DE is a natural insecticide. It absorbs lipids from the waxy outer layer of insects’ exoskeletons, which causes them to dehydrate and die of water deficiency. This is why it’s useful in food preservation, as a natural home deodorizer and cleanser.

THE MOST COMMON GRADES OF DE

Food Chemical Codex Grade (Food Grade): This is 100% natural, unaltered DE that has simply been mined from the earth and packaged for use.

THE MOST COMMON GRADES OF DE

Feed Grade DE: This is typically given to livestock to rid them of internal parasites.

THE MOST COMMON GRADES OF DE

Pool Grade Diatomaceous Earth: Unlike food grade DE, pool grade diatomaceous earth is dangerous to eat or inhale. This is DE that has been treated at temperatures in excess of 1000°C or 1832°F to change its state to mostly crystalline silica.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FOOD GRADE AND FEED GRADE DE?

Food grade DE must meet certain specifications regarding heavy metal content. To be considered “food grade”, the diatomaceous earth must not contain more than 10mg/kg of arsenic and no more than 10mg/kg of lead.

DIATOMACEOUS EARTH DANGERS

If you inhale large amounts, it is likely to make you cough, and you may experience shortness of breath. On skin, it can cause irritation and dryness. Diatomaceous earth may also irritate the eyes, due to its abrasive nature.

Maximizing Small Bathroom Storage