Diatomaceous Earth: Claims Checked (Food Grade vs Pool Grade)
Diatomaceous earth checked against sources: what it is, the breathing hazard from fine dust and crystalline silica, why "food grade" is not a health claim, and what was found on parasite cleanses.
Content last updated . This page has not been medically reviewed.
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Breathing the dust is the main documented hazard. Fine diatomaceous earth dust can irritate the nose and, in large amounts, cause coughing and shortness of breath. [1] Forms that contain crystalline silica are linked with silicosis, a serious lung disease. [1] If someone has swallowed a pesticide-type product or is struggling to breathe, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222, or 911 for trouble breathing. [1]
What diatomaceous earth is
Diatomaceous earth is made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms called diatoms, whose skeletons are made of silica. [1] Most of it is amorphous (non-crystalline) silicon dioxide, but it can contain very low levels of the crystalline form. [1] It is used in many ways. The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) says more than 150 pesticide products are registered, and thousands of non-pesticide products also contain it, including skin care products, toothpastes, foods, beverages and medicines. [1] A 2021 review describes its main use against pests that live in dry places, such as stored-product pests and bed bugs. [2] NPIC explains that it works on insects by absorbing oils and fats from the outer shell, so they dry out. [1]
"Food grade" and "pool grade"
NPIC says "food grade" products are purified and notes that the FDA lists diatomaceous earth as "Generally Recognized as Safe." [1] That describes a food-processing ingredient; it is not a finding that swallowing it improves health.
Heat treatment matters. Reports of severe silicosis from calcined (heat-treated) diatomaceous earth exist, and one analysis of a commercial calcined sample found 36% cristobalite, a crystalline silica. [3] A 1995 review says crystalline silica, a known human toxicant, is formed when biogenic silica is heated. [4] We did not find a source we could read that defines "pool grade" or compares grades for swallowing. If a label does not say what the product is and what it contains, a reader cannot tell which kind it is. See Natural Ingredient Quality and Labels.
The claims, checked
| Claim as marketed | What the sources found | Evidence label |
|---|---|---|
| Food-grade diatomaceous earth is a "parasite cleanse" | Proper evidence not found for people. We searched PubMed for diatomaceous earth with worm, helminth and parasite terms, and for human or randomized studies; results were about insects, crops and livestock. A 2019 livestock review lists "natural anthelmintic" among proposed uses. [5] | Marketing claim; livestock use only |
| It is a source of absorbable silicon | NPIC says very little is absorbed when it is eaten. [1] A 2025 one-week study in healthy female rats reported increased silicon absorption and lower after-meal triglycerides. [6] | Preclinical (animals); sources differ |
| It "detoxes" the body | We found no human study of diatomaceous earth for this. NCCIH cites a 2015 review that found no compelling research for detox diets (not this product) to eliminate toxins. [7] | No good evidence of benefit |
| It is safe in cosmetics | A 2026 expert panel concluded it is safe in cosmetics at current use and concentration. [8] | Applies to cosmetics, not swallowing |
Animal results do not show what happens in people. See also Parasite Cleanse Claims Checked and Detox Claims.
What a reader can safely do
Do not swallow pesticide-labeled products. Do not breathe the dust. If you are thinking about a "cleanse" for suspected parasites, see a clinician, who can test for them. For wider swallowing hazards see Natural Substances Not Meant to Be Swallowed, and for what to do first after a poisoning see Poisoning: What to Do First.
Frequently asked questions
Is food-grade diatomaceous earth safe to eat?
NPIC says the FDA lists it as generally recognized as safe, but we found no human evidence of health benefit. [1]
Does diatomaceous earth kill parasites in people?
Proper evidence not found. Our PubMed searches returned insect and livestock work only.
Why is the dust a problem?
Crystalline silica is linked with silicosis, and fine dust can irritate the airways. [1]
Is pool-grade diatomaceous earth the same?
We found no source that defines it. Heat-treated products can contain crystalline silica. [3]
Is it safe on the skin?
A cosmetic expert panel found it safe in cosmetics as used, though NPIC notes it can dry and irritate skin. [8]
More details: evidence, limits and cautions
The details behind this page: cautions, limits of the evidence and where sources disagree. Open any note to read it.
Safety by group
- Breathing: OSHA describes silicosis from respirable crystalline silica as an incurable lung disease that can lead to disability and death. [9] NPIC says long-term inhalation of the crystalline form is associated with silicosis and chronic bronchitis, while the amorphous form is associated only with mild, reversible lung inflammation. [1]
- Skin and eyes: NPIC says it can irritate the eyes and cause skin dryness. [1]
- Children: NPIC found no data showing children are specifically more sensitive to diatomaceous earth. [1] Keep pesticide-type products away from children and pets.
- Medicines, pregnancy and breastfeeding, kidney and liver disease, allergy, pre-surgery: not described in the sources we read, so we make no claims. Ask a pharmacist or clinician.
- Dating: the NPIC fact sheet we read was last reviewed in January 2013.
References
- Bunch TR, Bond C, Buhl K, Stone D. Diatomaceous Earth General Fact Sheet. National Pesticide Information Center, Oregon State University Extension Services. Reviewed January 2013. Read 2026-10-23.
- Zeni V, Baliota GV, Benelli G, et al. Diatomaceous earth for arthropod pest control: back to the future. Molecules. 2021. PubMed 34946567. Read 2026-10-23.
- Barbieri PG, Somigliana A, Carradori G. Severe silicosis due to diatomaceous earth in dental alginate: a necropsy study. Med Lav. 2020. PubMed 32624564. Read 2026-10-23.
- Rabovsky J. Biogenic amorphous silica. Scand J Work Environ Health. 1995. PubMed 8929705. Read 2026-10-23.
- Ikusika OO, Mpendulo CT, Zindove TJ, Okoh AI. Fossil shell flour in livestock production: a review. Animals (Basel). 2019. PubMed 30813550. Read 2026-10-23.
- Redondo-Castillejo R, Hernandez-Martin M, Issa-Garcia JA, et al. Diatomaceous earth supplementation as a bioavailable silicon source modulates postprandial lipid metabolism in healthy female rats. Nutrients. 2025. PubMed 40806037. Read 2026-10-23.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). "Detoxes" and "Cleanses": What You Need To Know. Last updated March 2025. Read 2026-10-23.
- Burnett CL, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, et al. Safety assessment of diatomaceous earth as used in cosmetics. Int J Toxicol. 2026. PubMed 42252560. Read 2026-10-23.
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (US). Respirable crystalline silica. Read 2026-10-23.