NiteTiger said:I don't believe anyone advocated doing lines of DE
wygram said:http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npgd0552.html
Amorphous silica is found in nature as biogenic silica and as silica glass of volcanic origin. One form of biogenic silica, diatomaceous earth, originates from the skeletons of diatoms deposited on sea floors and contains small amounts of cristobalite and quartz. After calcination (which significantly increases the cristobalite content), diatomaceous earth is used as a filtration agent, carrier for pesticides, filler in paints and paper and as a refractory or abrasive product in a variety of industries. Occupational exposure to both amorphous and crystalline silica may occur during the production and use of diatomaceous earth. Fibres of amorphous silica are produced by a variety of plants, such as sugar cane and rice, and may be inhaled when released into the air during farming operations. Large quantities of synthetic amorphous silica are produced as pyrogenic (fumed) silicas and wet process silicas (precipitated silicas and silica gels) which are used, notably, for reinforcing elastomers, for thickening resins, paints and toothpaste, and as free-flow additives. Exposure to synthetic amorphous silica may occur during its production and use. Synthetic amorphous silica may also be ingested as a minor constituent (< 2%) of a variety of food products where it serves as an anti-caking agent, and as an excipient in some pharmaceutical preparations. Silica fume is a form of amorphous silica (with small amounts of crystalline silica) unintentionally released into the air from certain metallurgical processes.
http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/vol68/volume68.pdf
It's not going to kill you instantly or give you cancer immediately or ever, when using it for horticultural purposes. The particles cause irritation to the lungs and this can overtime lead to cancer. Adding to this smoking, and you are multiplying the damage.
Basically, if you have a small garden and are intermittently using small amounts, then just make sure your not inhaling visible dust kicked up. If you have more going on and are increasingly going to be handling the DE, then get one of simple white masks.
Sheriff Bart said:how do y'alls go about the application of DE? i got some nasty mite probs i need to nip asap and i am expecting some of the DE to show up at my door today....by monday if not today, and i am just wondering what the most effective method of application you have found is