Diatomite

Synonyms

Diatomaceous silica, flux-calcined; Flux-calcined diatomaceous earth; Diatomaceous earth; Kieselguhr, soda ash flux-calcined; Amorphous silica: Flux-calcined diatomaceous earth; Silica amorphous diatomaceous earth (uncalcined); Silica, amorphous, diatomaceous earth; Silica, amorphous, including natural diatomaceous earth; [ChemIDplus] Diatomaceous earth, flux–calcined; Diatomeenerde; Flux calcinated diatomaceous earth; Flux calcinated diatomite; Flux calcined kieselguhr; Flux gecalcineerde kieselguhr; Kieselgoer; Silica; [IUCLID] Celite 545; [Acros Organics MSDS]

Category

Other Mineral Dusts

Description

Solid; [IUCLID] Off-white odorless powder; [Acros Organics MSDS]

Sources/Uses

Used in the agricultural, chemical, paints-lacquers-varnishes, fuel, and paper-pulp-board industries; Used as a raw material for wire drawing lubricants, absorbents, cleaning/washing agents, fillers, and filtration aids; [IUCLID]

Comments

Contains crystalline silica, known to cause occupational silicosis; Causes no skin and mild eye irritation; Not a skin sensitizer; [IUCLID] The main problem in assessing the risk of exposure to diatomaceous earth is its varying degree of contamination with crystalline silica. While the natural version usually contains about 1%, up to 60% may be present in flux-calcined amorphous silica. [Rom, p. 527] A strong eye irritant; Prolonged or repeated inhalation exposure may cause serious adverse health effects; [Acros Organics MSDS] See "Kieselguhr, calcined." See "Silica, amorphous" and "Silica, crystalline."

Biomedical References

Yes

Yes

Not classifiable

Processes

Industrial Processes with risk of exposure:

• Painting (Pigments, Binders, and Biocides)
• Pulp and Paper Processing
• Using Disinfectants or Biocides