DIATOMACEOUS EARTH
DE is an abbreviation of the words "Diatomaceous Earth," which is a fossilized deposit of microscopic shells created by one celled plants called Diatoms. These plants inhabit all the waters of the earth, and serve as the basic food for aquatic life, just as grass is the basic food for land animals.
Some of these deposits, shifted to dry land, are extremely important to humans. PERMA-GUARD, INC., markets the material as an animal food additive, and, with the addition of Pyrethrum, as a line of environmentally safe insecticides.
What is Codex or "Food Grade" Diatomaceous Earth?
For D.E. to be called "Codex," it must meet the following requirements:
| Item |
Requirement |
Perma-Guard Results |
| Arsenic (ppm) |
not more than 10 ppm |
<10 |
| Lead (ppm) |
not more than 10 ppm |
<10 |
| Non-Siliceous Substance % |
not more than 25% on dried basis |
11.0% |
| PH |
passes test |
7.3 |
| Loss on Drying % |
natural powders not more than 10% |
6.2 |
| Loss on Ignition |
natural powders not more than 7% on the dried
basis |
|
For additional information, see the Analysis of Fossil Shell Flour.
Perma-Guard diatomaceous earth magnified 7,000 times
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