Chemical Properties
tan powder
Potential Exposure
Diatomaceous earth is used as
a filtering agent and as a filler in construction materials,
pesticides, paints, and varnishes. The calcined version
(which has been heat treated) is the most dangerous and
contains crystallized silica, and should be handled as silica.
See also other entries on silica
First aid
If this chemical gets into the eyes, remove any
contact lenses at once and irrigate immediately for at least
15 minutes, occasionally lifting upper and lower lids. Seek
medical attention immediately. If this chemical has been
inhaled, remove from exposure, begin rescue breathing
(using universal precautions, including resuscitation mask)
if breathing has stopped and CPR if heart action has
stopped. Transfer promptly to a medical facility.
Shipping
This material is not singled out by DOT
in its
Performance-Oriented Packaging Standards.
Incompatibilities
Silica, amorphous is a noncombustible solid. Generally unreactive chemically. Incompatible with fluorine, oxygen difluoride, chlorine trifluoride. Soluble in molten alkalis and reacts with most metallic oxides at high temperature.
Waste Disposal
Sanitary landfill.
Uses
Chemically,
diatomaceous earth is mostly amorphous silicon dioxide,
accompanied by mineral salts, with large surface area.
Its use as an insecticide dust is based on its capability to
absorb moisture, oils, and waxes (48).
Definition
Diatomite: A whitish powdered
mineral consisting mainly of silica (silicon(
IV) oxide) derived from the shells of
diatoms. It is used to make fireproof cements
and as an absorbent in the manufacture
of DYNAMITE.
General Description
Celpure? P65 (Diatomaceous earth, DE) is natural amorphous silica formed from the fossilized skeletons of diatoms. It is extracted, crushed, dried and calcined with or without flux material. DE is widely used as filler in construction materials, paints and as an anti-caking agent for agricultural chemicals. It has high water and oil absorption ability. The potential toxicity of different samples of DE has been assessed. DE is also employed as an adsorbent for column chromatography.
Agricultural Uses
Diatomaceous earth: Diatomaceous earth kills and repels insects, including
bed bugs, fleas, cockroaches, and carpet beetles, by
dehydrating them, rather than chemically poisoning them,
and has been used since early times. It is also used as a filtering
agent and as a filler in construction materials, pesticides,
paints, and varnishes. The calcined version (which
has been heat treated) is the most dangerous and contains
crystallized silica, and should be handled as silica.
Trade name
CELITE®; CROP GUARD®; DIACTIV®;
DIAFIL®; DI-ATOMATE®; DIE-SECTICIDE®;
KENITE®; PRIMISIL®
storage
Color Code—Green: General storage may be used.Store in tightly closed containers in a cool, well-ventilatedarea.
Toxics Screening Level
The initial threshold screening level (ITSL) for the amorphous silica compounds listed above is 60 μg/m3 based on an 8-hour averaging time.
