Diatomaceous Earth-WARNING

[Doris Kulp <doris.kulp@nist.gov>]

I have worked with D.E. in the past.  It is a safety hazard.  The DE is 
ground so fine that the particles cannot be filtered by your nose hairs 
and the dust will be ingested and sit in your lungs forever.  The little 
white dust masks are also not able to keep the DE dust from getting into 
your lungs.  You need a respirator.  Once your lungs are filled or 
partially filled with this stuff, it gives you much less capacity for 
air!  I don't know for sure, but would suppose it would be the same 
hazard to a horse if it were exposed to the dust.  So beware!!!

Doris Kulp
Maryland