There have been studies that indicate that diatomaceous earth may do
something the same to your lungs and other damp membranes it comes in
contact with (eyes, nose). Don't forget the stuff stays where it settles
and gets picked up by anything it comes in contact with (your fingers to
your eyes?). While the effects (if any) are not immediate and more
accumulative, some precautions may be in order. While this substance is not
a poison, nor is asbestos, and it has been under scrutiny for far less
time.
Rand Nicholson (writserv@mi.net)
Canada