This bulletin has recently been issued by the Veterinary Poisons Information Service Diatomaceous Earth Diatomaceous Earth, also known as DE or diatomite, is a fine flour-like powder derived from the microscopic remains of fossilized diatoms; a type of algae. The diatom cell wall is primarily made up of silica (silicon dioxide). Inert dusts such as DE have also been used for thousands of years as an effective form of pest control against insects. Fleas and other insects with an exoskeleton are susceptible to the glass-like, sharp edges of the microscopic diatoms, which can penetrate and cause death through dehydration. This rapid kill effect works mechanically and is effective for as long as the product is applied. DE in its natural state is considered to be of low toxicity and relatively safe for most animals. There is no evidence that this form is particular hazardous. However, DE does contain small levels of crystalline silica. When inhaled, this may result in silicosis, a potentially life-threatening lung disorder. The severity of silicosis is largely dependent on the concentration of silica in the air and the duration of exposure. We were contacted regarding a fatal case in a cat, which highlights the potential risk of DE when inhaled. A 1 year old, 3kg DSH cat presented to the veterinary practice with hyperthermia, dyspnoea, and pale mucous membranes. The owners had coated the cat with DE and had sprinkled it sporadically around the house and garden several times. The cat later developed life threatening pneumonia and respiratory distress, which resulted in death less than 24 hours post presentation. It was discovered that this cat had indeed suffered from silicosis. In this case, chronic exposure had resulted in respiratory failure. VPIS can only recommend the use of DE as an insecticide where the product has been approved for use around pets and is used as directed by the manufacturer guidelines.
Sorry I don't have the direct link to the VPIS original bulletin - our vet posted this on her FB page so that her clients would be aware of the risk - as I believe this to be an extremely reliable source I cross-posted to the forum
Wonderful. I have some food grade DE to use in the outside cat's food to control worms. I understand food grade is just the regular stuff ground up finer so I guess the same warning applies. Heck maybe even more of a warning as smaller grains would get into smaller places once inhaled? Thanks for the heads up.
Lots of people use this to dust their poultry or poultry pens (against mites). Maybe not such a great idea!
I used this in my hen houses when I had chickens and I always wore a mask both when using it and when clearing the houses out as I had been warned not to breath it in. I never considered that it could be dangerous to other animals, now I wonder what effect it had on the hens.
Umm I just did my entire yard and window seals because I had a very bad ant infestation. Should I be worried about Stryker? He seems to be fine, hasn't gone and done a huge amount of sniffing in areas I put a bigger amount. He seems to be doing fine, I guess I need to watch him a bit better now.
I think it's good to be careful but not be in a panic about it. Good to be made aware about the dangers of inhaling it, though - hadn't thought of that when I used it for ants. I was just worried about Simba eating it.
I'd think that repeated exposure is the thing to avoid. I wouldn't worry at this point if you've already put it round the house. I'm sure Stryker will be fine.
