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What is Diatomaceous Earth?

Known worldwide for its extreme high purity, our "Human Food Grade" Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is an eco-friendly naturally organic material from the purest fresh water source. Diatomaceous Earth is the fossilized remains of microscopic shells created by one-celled plants called Diatoms. The Diatoms living in the waterways absorb minerals and elements from water enabling them to ‘build‘ their tiny shells. Consequentially, the fossilized remains have captured and contain the some 15 trace minerals used to form the shell. Not all deposits of diatomaceous earth or the diatoms present in those deposits are the same.

 

The shape of the diatom must be tubular with holes on the walls. It is important to have a consistent shape diatom without any unwanted sediment and it must be fresh water because the diatoms form a harder shell and is less fragile than those in salt water. Salt-water deposits contain a mix of diatom species. These deposits shapes and sediments are inconsistent, making them unsuitable for many of our products.

 

Only a few Diatomaceous Earth deposits are "food grade". Other food grade deposits may contain higher amounts of sediment and clay that make them less effective. After analysing many other "Food Grade" deposits we are satisfied that our Diatomaceous Earth is the purest form of Diatomaceous Earth currently available.

 

DE is widely used internationally for a host of industrial, agricultural and horticultural applications.

Diatomaceous Earth Applications

There are a large number of uses for DE so please don't hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions. We supply Diatomaceous Earth in both Animal Feed Grade and Human Pharmacuetical Food Grade. Diatomaceous Earth is an all natural 100% organic product that has an incredible number of uses:

 

On The Farm:

Grain & Feed Storage - Mix 2% ClearOFF Minerals Diatomaceous Earth to grains and animal feeds for protection against infestation by mites, larvae and other insects during storage. Also inhibits the growth of mold, fungal spores and bacteria.

Anti-caking & Flow Agent - E552 - ClearOFF Minerals Diatomaceous Earth is a completely natural, chemical free anti-caking agent. It has very useful benefits in products and feeds that experience difficulties in pouring and flowing. Particularly stock-feeds containing molasses tend to form clumps and become sticky. Not only will the clumps become hard to pour, they start to encourage mould and potential wastage can occur. DE when mixed with the feed will coat the particles preventing them from binding together. This enables the feed to flow better making the feed less likely to mould due to the moisture absorbency characteristics of Fossil Shell Flour.

Soil Conditioner - Diatomaceous Earth as a soil conditioner is high in Silica and other trace minerals, absorbent, porous, long lasting, environmentally friendly, pH neutral, sterilized, organic, natural and reusable, infact it has all factors necessary for healthy plants, while still being cost effective for the grower. Added to the soil reduces fly larvae which could be a problem to many crops.

Pest Control - Spread liberally in places where insect and parasite control is needed - sheds, barns, milking sheds, calving pads, stables, pens, kennels, fowl coops, realistically any animal housing area will benefit from DE. Its presence will dry wet spots, reduce the ability for insects to breed and lay eggs, reduce odour in manure build-up areas and reduce fly populations. Actively discouraging flies, fleas, ticks, lice and mites in these areas will make your livestocks lives less stressed, healthier, cleaner and improve conditions for animals and their human keepers alike. Diatomaceous earth does not harm beneficial earthworms and is a completely organic substance.

Poultry Red Mite Killer & Shield - For poultry, apply directly to feathers, legs, feet, perches, dust baths, bedding and housing as both a cure and ongoing deterent againt Poultry Red Mite. Apply to new housing prior to the introduction of birds paying particular attention to any nooks and crevices.

Seed Mix Additive - Add to lawn or other seed mixes on an equal basis (50/50). For best results apply as a slurry.

 

For Livestock:

Animal Feed Mineral Supplement - ClearOFF Minerals Animal Feed Grade Diatomaceous Earth is an excellent feed additive for livestock, birds, horses and pets. With 15 trace minerals including phosphorous, selenium, calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, copper, zinc and iron it helps maintain fit and healthy animals. Helps to reduce odors, removes harmful bacteria from the upper intestinal tract, reduces fly hatch, stop animals from licking holes and chewing fence posts etc. Proven reduction of liver spots within swine. A decrease in cases of Mastitis and an increase in milk production has been observed in livestock. Better quality, stronger egg shells produced by hens fed on DE. By adding Animal Feed Grade DE to livestock, pet, equestrian and poultry feed you kill several birds with one stone (to pardon the phrase). You first protect the feed from infestation by insects such as mites while at the same time reducing the number of fungal spores, molds and bacteria able to grow within the feed. When the treated feed is consumed by your livestock it helps reduce internal parasites, pH balance the gut and lower intestine, scour the gut providing for better nutrient uptake from digested feed while also providing 15 essential trace minerals. This improves the general health and well-being of livestock resulting in increased productivity. Animal Feed Grade Diatomaceous Earth is acceptable as an organic feed additive for livestock E552 in the UK (add 2%).

Internal Parasite Control - A treatment and shield against internal parasites such as worms, protozea, virus' and bacteria. ClearOFF Minerals Animal Feed Grade Diatomaceous Earth is a natural anthelmentic (de-wormer).

External Parasite Control - A treatment and shield against fleas, mites, ticks, lice, poultry red mite, mange, stable mite and more.

Poultry Red Mite Killer & Shield - For poultry, apply directly to feathers, legs, feet, perches, dust baths and bedding as both a cure and ongoing deterent againt Poultry Red Mite.

Other Applications - ClearOFF Minerals Diatomaceous Earth has Antibacterial and antifungal properties which make it an excellent choice for treating a variety of external ailments including hoof thrush, laminitis, mange and other parasitical, viral, bacterial or fungal issues.

 

For Humans:

Mineral Supplement - Human Food Grade diatomaceous earth is 84% silica, and contains some 15 trace minerals. Did you know life can’t exist without silica? It is essential for the building of healthy bones and teeth, skin, hair, and nails. It has demonstrated an ability to help the body deal with dry skin and associated conditions, brittle nails, hair thinning, dandruff and burns (including sunburn). As our mineral resources are getting depleted, our food is containing less and less silica. Do yourself a favor and add this divine diatom to your diet. Helps repair and maintain lung function, acts as a cough decreasing agent. Helps prevent kidney stones, osteoporosis. Decreases vertigo, tinnitus, and insomnia. Regulates bowel movements, lessens gastrointestinal inflammation, cleans out the colon, treats both diarrhea and constipation. It is a great choice for families on the GAPS diet!

Detox Agent - DE carries a strong negative charge. If you’ll recall your science lessons, you’ll remember that negatively charged ions are attracted to positively charged ions. Therefore, when taken internally, the diatomaceous earth attracts and absorbs positively-charged pathogens into its cylinder – it absorbs the things we want to stay away from, like viruses, pathogenic fungi and bacteria, heavy metals, prescription drug residues, pesticides, parasites, radiation, and the like – and sweeps them out of our bodies.

Internal Parasite Killer & Colon Cleanser - Diatomaceous earth is also very hard. On a scale of “hardness”, if diamonds were a 9, diatomaceous earth would be a 7. This helps us too – as this powder makes its way through our digestive tract, it gently “scrubs” the packed-on residue we have there and sweeps it out of our bodies. Nice, diatoms! Also, because of this quality, it is very sharp. Organisms such as parasites, lurking in our intestines, are sliced up and killed, and swept away when we empty our bowels, and we are left unharmed.

External Uses - Antibacterial, antifungal powder suitable for use as a treatment for Athletes Foot, Verucas, Fungal Nail Infections and other conditions regarding the feet. As a bite, sting, cut, graze, burn and sore dressing. Sprinkle the powder directly on the effected area to reduce the chance of infection and speed the healing process. As a treatment against headlice comb through the hair and leave for 20 minutes before rinsing clean.

Tooth Polish & Stain Remover - Dab a little DE onto a wet cotton bud and apply to the effected teeth in a gentle circling action. Removes tar and tobacco stains caused by smoking in one application.

Antibacterial Mouthwash - Aids with problems associated with gum disease, cavaties, ulcers, burns, thrush, sore throat, viral and bacterial infections. Add 1 teaspoon of DE to a small glass of water, stir well and rinse for a couple of minutes. Helps fight the bacteria that cause halitosis (bad breath) and gum disease.

Beauty Treatments - Diatomaceous Earths ability to absorb skin oils has been exploited in cosmetics, facial masks and skin preperations. To remedy oily skin, acne and spots caused by excess oils make a paste similar in consistancy to toothpaste and apply to the effected areas. Leave for 5 minutes, rinse clean and dry. Always do a small test area prior to full application.

 

For Pets:

Animal Feed Mineral Supplement - ClearOFF Minerals Animal Feed Grade Diatomaceous Earth is high in amorphous silica and contains 15 essential trace minerals including phosphorous, selenium, calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, copper, zinc and iron. Promotes glossy coats, increased bone density, vigor, general health and well being.

Pet Food Storage - Mix 2% ClearOFF Minerals Diatomaceous Earth to dry feeds for protection against infestation by mites, larvae and other insects during storage. Also inhibits the growth of mold, fungal spores and bacteria.

External Parasite Control - A treatment and shield against fleas, lice, mites, ticks and more.
Internal Parasite Control - A treatment and shield against internal parasites such as worms, protozea, virus' and bacteria. DE is a natural anthelmentic (de-wormer).

External Healing - DE's Antibacterial and Antifungal properties make it the perfect choice for treating wounds and blemishes such as cuts, scratches, sores, bites and stings.

Litter Boxes & Pet Cages - Sprinkle in your pets cages and litterboxes to reduce odour and help with the drying process. The DE will absorb any liquids locking the small away in its hollow structure. Works a treat in pigeon lofts, aviaries and cages. Deters avian mite.

 

In The Home:

Pest Control - ClearOFF Minerals Animal Feed Grade Diatomaceous Earth is useful in controlling and discouraging insects from your home, garage, workshop, sleep-outs, sheds – just about any building where control is necessary. This includes but is not limited to bed bugs, ants, spiders, mites, lice and other crawling insects.

Pre-Build Pest Control & Shield - Lightly dust underneath floor boards, inbetween partition walls, on open joists and beams etc during the building process to deter infestations at a later date. This will deter bees, wasps & hornets from creating nests. Reduce the chances of a Bed bug infestation. Defend against beatles and their larvae including woodworm. Reduce the number of spiders, silverfish, ants and other crawling insects that enter your property.

Bed Bugs - Dust mattresses and beds both inside and out. Under rugs, into carpets and inbetween floor boards. Underneath and on top of furniture etc. Leave for a minimum of 2 hours (overnight is best) then vacuum away any excess DE. Although almost invisible to the naked eye, tiny particles of DE will remain embedded in the material of the treated areas, protecting against further infestation.

Metal Polish - Used in many metal cleaning products for its microabrasive properties. Dab a little DE powder onto a clean dry cloth and polish as normal. Works a treat on brass, silver and many other metals (always do a small test area first).

 

In The Garden:

Pest Control - ClearOFF Minerals Animal Feed Grade Diatomaceous Earth has a wide range of applications and uses in the garden as a natural tool in your arsenal against pest and parasites. To insects DE is a dust with microscopic razor sharp edges. These sharp edges cut through the insect's protective covering drying it out and killing them. DE can be applied directly to plants, greenhouses, benches, pots and soil, either wet or dry. Application can be as simple a hand spread or alternatively mixed with water at a rate of 20gms per 5 litres you can apply via a pump up type sprayer. Can also be used as a barrier against slugs, snails and other insects. Kills virtually all soft bodied insects including aphids, catapillars, greenfly, thrips, etc and is a deterant to many more. Diatomaceous earth does not harm beneficial earthworms and is a completely organic substance.

Soil Conditioner - Diatomaceous Earth as a soil conditioner is high in silica and other trace minerals, absorbent, porous, long lasting, environmentally friendly, pH neutral, sterilized, organic, natural and reusable, infact it has all factors necessary for healthy plants, while still being cost effective for the grower. Added to the soil reduces fly larvae which could be a problem to many plants.

Trace Element Fertilizer - Diatomaceous Earth contains 15 different trace minerals and an abundance of silica, all necessary ingredients for a healthy garden.

Seed Mix Additive - Add to lawn or other seed mixes on an equal basis (50/50). For best results apply as a slurry.

 

Business & Industrial:

Filtration - The most common use (68%) of diatomaceous earth is as a filter medium, especially for swimming pools. However this is most often the Calcined version which should never be ingested or used in the treatment of animals. Diatomaceous Earth has a high porosity, because it is composed of microscopically-small, coffin-like, hollow particles.  It is used in chemistry under various brand names as a filtration aid, to filter very fine particles that would otherwise pass through or clog filter paper. It is also used to filter water, particularly in the drinking water treatment process and in fish tanks, and other liquids, such as beer and wine. It can also filter syrups and sugar.

Metal Polish - An ingredient in many metal cleaning products for its microabrasive properties. Dab a little DE powder onto a clean dry cloth and polish as normal. Works a treat on brass, silver and many other metals (always do a small test area first).

Cement Preparations - Diatomite is often used as an additive in the manufacture of portland cement. High-quality diatomite contains over 80% silica, and it is added to the cement-making process to boost the silica content of the product. Diatomite straight from the mine is crushed and blended with the limestone, shale, or other materials being used to make the cement.

Absorbent - If dry diatomaceous earth is placed on a liquid spill, it can absorb and hold an amount of liquid equivalent to its own weight. This absorption facilitates containment, cleanup, and removal. Capillary action of liquids into diatomaceous earth is enhanced by its small particle size, high surface area, and its high porosity.

Filler - Diatomaceous earth is used as a lightweight, inert filler in some manufactured products. It is added to paint as a whitening agent and extender. It is added to plastics as a lightweight filler. It is used as a filler and anti-stick agent in asphalt shingles. It is used as a filler and to improve adhesion resistance in many rubber products.

Fulling - Other industries such as paper, paints, ceramics, soap and detergents use Diatomaceous Earth as a fulling material.

Cosmetics - Diatomaceous Earths ability to absorb skin oils has been exploited in cosmetics, facial masks and skin preperations. To remedy oily skin, acne and spots caused by excess oils make a paste similar in consistancy to toothpaste and apply to the effected areas. Leave for 5 minutes, rinse clean and dry. Always do a small test area prior to full application.

 

 

Ingesting Diatomaceous Earth

As well as the trace minerals, DE particles are negatively charged (rather rare). Heavy metals, bacteria and viruses, pesticides, drug residues and the likes of E-Coli are all positively charged. As the tiny particles of DE sweep through the digestive tract they attract or draw in the positively charged nasties, capture them within their framework and consequentially pass them out as waste.

Some of the reported potential benefits of daily consumption of DE include:

 

  • 15 Trace minerals – beneficial for soil, plants, livestock and even humans

  • Can assist to detoxify bacteria, viruses, e-coli, heavy metals, chemicals and toxins

  • Colon cleanser, digestive aid, can reduce scours and bowel related disorders

  • Better feed conversion, improves weight gain and general health

  • Promotes shinier coats, hair, skin, manes, hooves, nails and plumage

  • Natural de-wormer, eliminates many internal parasites without the need for strong chemicals

  • Completely non-toxic, no potential for parasites to gain immunity over time

  • Reduces fleas, ticks, flies, general manure odour and fly population

  • Cost effective health supplement resulting in reduced animal stress, better well-being and often reduced vet bills.

 

 

Diatomaceous Earth Dosage Rates

You cannot overdose or use too much DE but using too little will not have the desired effects.

 

Recommended dosage rates for pets, animals and livestock:

  • Kittens - 1/2 teaspoon per day

  • Adult Cats - 1 teaspoon per day

  • Puppies - 1/2 to 1 teaspoon p/day dependent upon size and breed

  • Small Dogs under 15kg - 1 teaspoon per day

  • Medium Dogs 15kg to 35kg - 1 tablespoon per day

  • Large Dogs over 35 to 50kg - 2 tablespoons per day

  • Giant Dogs 50kg - 2 heaped tablespoons + per day

  • Cattle, Dairy Cows, Pigs - 2% of dry feed ration per day

  • Chickens, Pheasants, Quail - 5% mixed in feed per day

  • Goats, Sheep, Alpacas, Llamas - 2% in grain per day

  • Horses, Ponies, Donkeys - 1/2 to 1 cup in daily ration

  • Zoo animals - 2% in daily feed

  • Two legged mammals - 1 heaped tablespoons + per day

 

Recommended dosage rates for plants and crops:

  • 5 litre ‘pump up’ type sprayer - 20gms

  • 15 litre Backpack sprayer - 60gms

  • 200 litre automatic sprayer - 800 to 900 grams

  • Crop application - 1 to 2.5kg p/acre

  • 10 litre bucket ‘brush on’ - 2 cups

  • 10 litre watering can - 2 cups

 

Recommended dose rates for anti-caking agent / grain protectant:

  • Per volume of grain / product feed - 2%

 

Storage - We recommend you store your DE in an airtight container upon receipt of your shipped product. DE, water and humidity don't mix from a storage perspective and keeping your DE dry until use will be beneficial to it's efficacy and long term storage.

 

Data Sheet Information

Diatomaceous Earth

(Animal Feed Grade)

 

Typical Chemical Analysis
    SiO2 68%
    Al2O3 9%
    Fe2O3 6%
    MgO 1%
    CaO 1%
    K2O + Na2O 2%

 

Typical Specifications
    Bulk Density 220 – 270 g/
    Moisture 3 – 6%
    Absorption Capacity (water) 160 – 180% (v/w) (modified BASF  method)
    Sieve Analysis > 45um 20% max
    > 63um 16% max
    > 90um 10% max
    > 250um 3% max

Typical Physical Properties
    pH (10% aq. suspension) 4.5
    Specific weight 2.3
    Loss on Ignition 8%

 

Origin

   Denmark

Diatomaceous Earth

(Human Food Grade)

 

Typical Chemical Analysis

   SiO2 93.0%
   Al2O3 2.0%
   Fe2O3 1.0%
   CaO 0.3%
   Na2O + K2O 2.5%
   MgO 0.5%
   TiO2 0.2%
   P2O5 0.1%

 

Typical Physical Properties

   Moisture 3.0%

   Oil Absorption 220%

   325 Mesh Screen Residue 1.0%

   pH (10% in water) 8.0

 

Heavy Metal Analysis

   Arsenic (As) Maximum 10ppm
   Lead (Pb) Maximum 10ppm
   Physical Properties
   Loss on Drying Maximum <10.0%
   Loss on Ignition Maximum <7.0%
   Non-Siliceous Substances Maximum <25.0% (dry basis)
   pH Passes test

 

Origin

   Freshwater - Mexico

 

Diatomaceous Earth

Safety Data

 

Health Hazards
This product does not meet the criteria for classification as hazardous as defined in the Regulation EC 1272/2008 and in Directive 67/548/EEC. Depending on the type of handling and use, airborne respirable crystalline silica may be generated. Prolonged and/or massive inhalation of respirable crystalline silica dust (particles up to 10 microns in size) may cause lung fibrosis, commonly referred to as silicosis. Principal symptoms of silicosis are cough and breathlessness. Occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust should be monitored and controlled.

 

Environment
The product is not expected to be hazardous to the environment. Physical and Chemical Hazards. This product is an inorganic substance and does not meet the criteria for PBT or vPvB in accordance with Annex XIII of REACH. This product should be handled with care to avoid dust generation.

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