|
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 24, 2014 18:45:47 GMT -5
Has anyone has experience with diatomaceous earth? My mom uses it as a flea killer and put it against the walls of her house. It says its safe to eat so I'm wondering how safe it is for ferrets? Any input is valued  |
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 24, 2014 22:12:45 GMT -5
When @muchasbellas asked this question, I had not heard of this.
Here is a link and some info:http://www.richsoil.com/diatomaceous-earth.jsp
I'm also interested in this prodouct, so hopefully some of you will know something about it.
|
|
|
|
Post by Jeremy's Boggle on Jun 24, 2014 22:21:32 GMT -5
If anyone inhales large amounts of it there can be damage to the lungs. As long as it is used appropriately it should be fine.
|
|
|
|
Post by unclejoe on Jun 25, 2014 8:30:57 GMT -5
We've been using it for about 3 weeks. No issues with the ferrets. We sprinkle it in the rugs and dust the ferrets with it when we find a flea on them. We leave it for 1-2 days before vacuuming. We only have carpet in 2 inside rooms and the screen room. It's taking time, but we are not seeing as many fleas as we did 6-8 weeks ago.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sherry on Jun 25, 2014 9:26:41 GMT -5
Biggest concern is them inhaling it and causing damage to the very delicate tissues of the lungs and respiratory system. Particularly with repeat use.
Personally, although I know some do use it, I would dust the surroundings, and vacuum VERY thoroughly before letting the ferrets near it.
|
|
|
|
Post by msav on Jun 25, 2014 9:31:29 GMT -5
I used to use the stuff with swimming pool filters. We were always warned of the dangers of it and made sure customers knew not to breath it.
It is extremely dangerous when inhaled. It is like microscopic shards of glass. It kills bugs and fleas by absorbing the moisture in them. I don't know If I like the idea of the powder being anywhere near my ferrets where they could breath it in. not sure how much it will effect their skin as well.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jun 25, 2014 9:53:11 GMT -5
The pool stuff is different than the food grade kind. I think the food grade has a bit of acrylic, but not much.
|
|
|
|
Post by Sherry on Jun 26, 2014 8:30:17 GMT -5
No- she said "like" glass. This is what food grade DE is. It is the silica that is like glass shards:
What is diatomaceous earth?
Diatomaceous earth is made from the fossilized remains of tiny, aquatic organisms called diatoms. Their skeletons are made of a natural substance called silica. Over a long period of time, diatoms accumulated in the sediment of rivers, streams, lakes, and oceans. Today, silica deposits are mined from these areas.
Silica is very common in nature and makes up 26% of the earth's crust by weight. Various forms of silica include sand, emerald, quartz, feldspar, mica, clay, asbestos, and glass. Silica does not exist naturally in its pure form. It usually reacts with oxygen and water to form silicon dioxide. Silicon dioxide has two naturally occurring forms: crystalline and amorphous. Most diatomaceous earth is made of amorphous silicon dioxide. However, it can contain very low levels of crystalline silicon dioxide. The first pesticide products containing silicon dioxide (diatomaceous earth) were registered in 1960 to kill insects and mites.
|
|
|
|
Post by unclejoe on Jun 26, 2014 13:43:32 GMT -5
from Wikipedia: Diatomaceous earth (emphasis is mine)
Safety considerations:
Inhalation of crystalline silica is harmful to the lungs, causing silicosis. Amorphous silica is considered to be low toxicity, but prolonged inhalation causes changes to the lungs.[24] Diatomaceous earth is mostly amorphous silica, but contains some crystalline silica, especially in the saltwater forms.[25] In a study of workers, those exposed to natural DE for over 5 years had no significant lung changes, while 40% of those exposed to the calcined form had developed pneumoconiosis.[26] Today's common D.E. formulations are safer to use as they are predominantly made up of amorphous silica and contain little or no crystalline silica.[27]
The crystalline silica content of D.E. is regulated in the United States by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and there are guidelines for the maximum amounts allowable in the product (1%) and in the air near the breathing zone of workers (6 mg/m3).[27]
In the 1930s, long term occupational exposure among workers in the cristobalite D.E. industry who were exposed to high levels of airborne crystalline silica over decades were found to have an increased risk of silicosis.[28]
Today, workers are required to use respiratory-protection measures when concentrations of silica exceed allowable levels.
Diatomite produced for pool filters is treated with high heat (calcination) and a fluxing agent (soda ash), causing the formerly harmless amorphous silicon dioxide to assume its crystalline form.
we use it infrequently during flea infestations. We looked into it before choosing to use it.
|
|
