From what I've read about DE, if you purchase food grade, humans can ingest it although I'm not sure why they'd want to! Anyway as yet, I haven't read anything stating that it was dangerous to use. It's a natural substance made up of crushed rock and little algae bodies from the oceans. It's mechanism in killing bugs occurs from dehydrating them. It's also used in the storage of feed and is endorsed by the Dept of Ag.
Of course when using any kind of powdery substance to deter bugs, using gloves and a mask when applying it is in order. Same as when using insecticide powder (or lime) to dust chickens, coops, nest boxes, gardens etc.
Also, treated wood is not as toxic as it was in years past. It's still pressure treated with a chemical but they no longer use arsenic. Now they're using amine copper quat (ACQ) or copper azole (CA) which is safer due to the body's inability to absorb these substances.
Because I have LOTS of enclosures (for my birds and for various species of wildlife)I had to do some research on this before building. All of my enclosures are built with treated wood including the flooring except one which has a dirt floor. Since litter is always used, the birds/animals don't have any direct contact with the floors anyway.I don't treat the treated flooring with anything (no paint either) and the ply scrubs up like new when cleaned.
I will say that to err on the side of caution, I don't make nest boxes for birds/mammals out of treated wood. Too much nibbling going on not to mention a small enclosed space.
After years and years of use (in an area that gets severe winter weather) I still have my floors and enclosures intact and no bird/mammal has ever been affected by the use of treated wood.
Just an FYI ;)
Sue
Wildlife Rescue
CHICKENS-101@yahoogroups.com
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