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HC-Pedia Entry
Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous earth

Tagged: Diatomaceous Earth, Insecticide, Pest Control

Diatomaceous earth is a naturally occurring, soft, chalk-like sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder. This powder has an abrasive feel, similar to pumice powder, and is very light, due to its high porosity. The typical chemical composition of diatomaceous earth is 86% silica, 5% sodium, 3% magnesium and 2% iron.

 

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Diatomaceous earth consists of fossilized remains of diatoms, a type of hard-shelled algae. It is used as a filtration aid, as a mild abrasive, as a mechanical insecticide, as an absorbent for liquids, as cat litter, as an activator in blood clotting studies, and as a component of dynamite. Since it is also heat-resistant, it can be used as a thermal insulator.

 

Source: Wikipedia

 

Diatomaceous earth:  Created on November 3rd, 2009.  Last Modified on November 3rd, 2009

 

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