I did not know it has alumunium in DE?Is it harmful Hv.
Raw DE does contain aluminum oxide. It is believed though that the aluminum does nto present a problem because the silica binds the aluminum preventing it from harming the body. This is the same concept that people claim zeolites (aluminum silicates) do not pose a problem for body. Zeolites are becoming a popular detox tool recently from MLM marketing. I have used them for many years in my aquariums. They are sold in aquarium stores under the name "ammonia remover". So far none of my fish show any signs of Alzheimer's. Actually my concern about the ingestion of aluminum silicates is whether or not the stomach acid will have any action on the release of the aluminum from the aluminum silicate. I have not seen any studies one way or the other. So I work with purified DE that has been treated with acid to remove the mineral oxides then rewashed and dried. But the raw material suppliers do not sell to the general public.
Personally I don't think that the aluminum is going to present much of a problem. The amount in minimal to the amount of silica, so there is more than enough silica to bind all the aluminum. And phytates, pectins and algins in or diet are effective metal chelators. So the risk of aluminum toxicity is pretty much zero.
We are actually exposed to more lead through our diet than aluminum. Luckily silica, phytates, pectins and algins also help to remove these.
so are we safe?
Yes, I have been drinking water with DE for years without any adverse effects.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diatomaceous_earth
Diatomaceous earth (pronounced /ˌdaɪ.ətɵˌmeɪʃəs ˈɜrθ/) — also known as DE, TSS, diatomite, diahydro, kieselguhr, kieselgur, brand names include Celatom or celite — is a naturally occurring, soft, chalk-like sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder, with a particle size extending from less than 1 to over 100 microns, but typically around 2 to 10 microns. [1] 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.
Why do you believe it has alumium in it? I have never heard that.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diatomaceous_earth
Diatomaceous earth (pronounced /ˌdaɪ.ətɵˌmeɪʃəs ˈɜrθ/) — also known as DE, TSS, diatomite, diahydro, kieselguhr, kieselgur, brand names include Celatom or celite — is a naturally occurring, soft, chalk-like sedimentary rock that is easily crumbled into a fine white to off-white powder, with a particle size extending from less than 1 to over 100 microns, but typically around 2 to 10 microns. [1] 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. Why do you believe it has alumium in it? I have never heard that. DE contains a number of metal oxides, including calcium, magnesium and aluminum.
Check some earlier posts on this forum. Food grade DE shouldn't contain aluminium.
Google on this forum where to buy it, I remember there's talk about it.
Suz.
Actually if you check the analysis of what some people are selling as food grade there is still aluminum in it. Here is an example:
http://wolfcreekranch1.tripod.com/diatomaceous_earth_analysis.html
I recall earlier posts that said DE is used in pool filters? How does it work? Is it a filter of DE that the water passes through?
Would this work in aquariums? Do you think just adding DE to aquarium water would be beneficial?
The DE is used in DE filters that contain pads that capture the DE. The entire pad becomes coated with a thin layer of DE that then traps algae and other particles on the pads so they are not circulated back in to the pool.
They actually do make DE filters for aquariums. Although adding DE to the water is not going to filter the water. You would be better off adding zeolites (aluminum silicates) to your external filter. They are sold in aquarium stores under the name ammonia remover for about $6 a pound.
As per Hv's guidance, I have tried unsuccessfully to find silicon dioxide instead of DE to use in drinking water. I am wondering if horsetail grass powder would be a sufficient alternative for silica. I am trying to avoid anything with aluminum in it, and DE has aluminum in it. Any help would be greatly appreciated...thanks!!!
I don't like horsetail grass (shavegrass) because it contains nicotine and constricts the blood vessels. This can be a problem for people with heart disease, diabetes, Raynaud's disease or phenomena, people taking NSAIDs, etc.
Horsetail cannot be stored in water long term either as it will cause molding. You can supplement with silica sources although you will not get as much silica in to your system as you would with adding silica to your water. If you want to go herbal though my choices in order would be bamboo (7 times higher in silica than horsetail and dilates the blood vessels), nettle leaf, couch grass, seaweeds and butcher's broom.
Another option is to find play sand at the hardware store. This is pure sand, not dirt. The sand again is primarily silicon dioxide. You can heat it in the oven to burn out any possible impurities and to kill any bacteria before adding to your water. Look for a very fine sand for a higher surface area, not the coarse sand. And again add it to the water and let it settle out before drinking.