(edited, we posted at the same time FF)
I agree FishFreek.... no kidding. :?
I agree fruitbat, inhaling a bunch of this stuff esp. over a long period of time is going to be bad news.
But as always there's conflicting reports...
NEGATIVE
"Safety. Despite being composed of silica, these dusts do not cause silicosis, a lung disease that is associated with industrial workers using crystalline or "free" forms of silica. Pesticide quality DE and silica aerogel are amorphous silica, which does not cause silicosis. Inhalation of road dust and grain dust is likely to be more harmful than DE."
(
http://www.ipmofalaska.com/files/DE.html)
NEGATIVE
usually over 97 per cent amorphous silica, which does not cause silicosis, which is associated only with crystalline silica. Indeed, inhalation of road dust and grain dust IS likely to be more harmful than DE.
http://www.eap.mcgill.
ca/Publications/eap4.htm
POSITIVE
Chronic Exposure:
Prolonged inhalation exposure may produce silicosis. Chronic symptoms include cough, dyspnea, wheezing, increased susceptibility to tuberculosis, decreased chest expansion, and repeated nonspecific chest illnesses. Progressive respiratory and cardiopulmonary impairment may be fatal. Chronic inhalation of crystalline silica is a lung cancer hazard.
(
http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/d1288.htm)
POSITIVE
Inhalation of crystalline silica has been classified by IARC as carcinogenic for humans. Inhalation of crystalline silica is also a known cause of silicosis, a non-cancerous lung disease caused by excessive exposure to crystalline silica.
(
http://www.hummelcroton.com/dia_m.html)
et cetera.... bottom line.. dont inhale a bunch of DE and U B OK!