Tag: Silicosis

Food-grade diatomaceous earth is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for incidental consumption in small amounts. However, even the food-grade variety comes with potential side effects, particularly if inhaled or taken improperly. This article explores what are the side effects of taking diatomaceous earth, differentiating between minor anecdotal reactions and serious health risks.

According to the CDC, approximately 2.3 million workers in the U.S. are exposed to crystalline silica on the job. Knowing how does silica affect you is crucial, as its impact ranges dramatically from a vital mineral for bone health to a harmful, cancer-causing dust depending on its form and exposure route. This article explores the dual nature of silica and the critical distinction between its dietary and inhalable forms.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets a permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable crystalline silica. Understanding how much is too much silica is vital, as excessive inhalation can lead to irreversible lung damage and other serious health issues.

The Earth's crust is composed of 59% silica, yet for many, the compound's impact on human health remains a mystery. Understanding the context of silica—its form and how we encounter it—is crucial to distinguishing between its potential benefits and serious risks.

Silicon dioxide, or silica, is a natural compound found in common foods like green beans and bananas. The question of whether is silica powder safe to consume is complex, requiring a distinction between its food-grade, supplement, and industrial forms.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other international bodies, food-grade calcium silicate is Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) for consumption in limited quantities. However, the substance's overall safety is highly context-dependent, varying significantly between food, cosmetics, and industrial applications.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), tens of thousands of workers in the United States are exposed to respirable crystalline silica every year, putting them at risk for serious health issues. Understanding the critical difference between the forms of silica is vital for assessing your risk.

While the inhalation of crystalline silica dust is a severe occupational hazard that causes irreversible lung disease, orally consumed silica supplements have a completely different chemical and safety profile. This distinction is crucial for anyone considering daily supplementation for health benefits related to hair, skin, and nails.

According to the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC), inhaling diatomaceous earth (DE) dust can irritate the nose, nasal passages, and lungs, with more serious risks depending on the type of DE. While often lauded for natural applications like pest control, understanding the potential side effects is crucial for safe handling.

According to a study reported by WebMD, ingesting packets of silica gel can cause irritation and symptoms of dehydration. This leads to confusion about silica's overall effects on the body, including whether dietary silica dehydrates you. This article clarifies the significant differences between various forms of silica and their effects on hydration.