Food Grade vs. Pool Grade Diatomaceous Earth: The DL on DE
Whether it be for use with livestock, as pest control or as a natural health supplement for humans, the buzz surrounding DE is undeniable. However, there is a lot of confusion regarding the various types of diatomaceous earth and what they can and cannot be used for. So here it is…the ‘down low’ on DE!
What is the difference between food and feed grade diatomaceous earth?
Although these two types are very similar there is one very important distinction between them. Food Grade DE must meet certain specifications regarding heavy metal content. To be considered Food Grade, the Diatomaceous Earth must not contain more than 10mg/kg of arsenic and no more than 10mg/kg of lead.
What is the difference between food grade and pool grade DE?
The difference here lies with the way that each type of DE is treated. Pool grade DE is calcined, meaning that is is treated with very high heat. This turns the silicon dioxide that is present in the DE into crystalline silica. Pool grade diatomaceous earth has more than 1 percent 1% (in fact, it can it can range from 60-70 percent) crystalline silica. Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth, on the other hand, has less than 1% crystalline silica and is not calcined.
What’s the difference between grey and white diatomaceous earth?
DE varies in color due to the fact that each deposit has its own unique mineral content. The reason that Red Lake Earth Diatomaceous Earth is grey is that it contains montmorillonite, a clay known for its absorbent qualities that is made from a very soft group of minerals.
Can pool grade DE be used for anything other than filtration?
Because of its high crystalline silica content, pool grade diatomaceous earth should not be used for anything other than filtration.
Image by AlishaV
Your article is clear that DE for swimming pools shouldn’t be used for food purposes, but can food grade DE be used for swimming pool filters?
February 13, 2012 at 6:32 am
While I cannot speak for all food grade DE products, Red Lake Earth is not recommended for use in swimming pool filters due to the fact that it contains calcium bentonite which may clog the filter.
February 13, 2012 at 12:35 pm
Is this product for Human consumption????????
December 20, 2011 at 1:05 pm
Hi Pam,
At this time there are no diatomaceous earth products that are registered for human consumption. This is due to the fact that not enough testing has been done on DE to show any positive or negative effects. That being said, we are aware that customers do consume our product however, this is at their own risk. We recommend that anyone wanting to consume diatomaceous earth use various research methods and their own discretion in making a decision.
For more information on diatomaceous earth for human consumption check out: Diatomaceous Earth for Humans: What You Don’t Know
December 21, 2011 at 2:14 pm