Chemicals and Drugs

Diatomaceous Earth

A form of SILICON DIOXIDE composed of skeletons of prehistoric aquatic plants which is used for its ABSORPTION quality, taking up 1.5-4 times its weight in water. The microscopic sharp edges are useful for insect control but can also be an inhalation hazard. It has been used in baked goods and animal feed. Kieselguhr is German for flint + earthy sediment.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

A form of SILICON DIOXIDE composed of skeletons of prehistoric aquatic plants which is used for its ABSORPTION quality, taking up 1.5-4 times its weight in water. The microscopic sharp edges are useful for insect control but can also be an inhalation hazard. It has been used in baked goods and animal feed. Kieselguhr is German for flint + earthy sediment.

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

Related Concepts

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MeSH Record

Synonyms

8 entry terms
  • Infusorial Earth
  • Kieselguhr
  • Earth, Diatomaceous
  • Earth, Infusorial
  • Celite
  • Celite 545
  • Celite 560
  • Chromosorb P

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

24 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings administration & dosage, adverse effects, agonists, analysis, antagonists & inhibitors, blood, cerebrospinal fluid, chemical synthesis, chemistry, classification, economics, history, immunology, isolation & purification, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, poisoning, radiation effects, standards, supply & distribution, therapeutic use, toxicity, urine.

MeSH Record

History Note

91(75); was see under SILICA 1975-90

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Numbers

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Diatomaceous Earth. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D007692. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D007692
  2. Diatomaceous Earth. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diatomaceous_earth
  3. Diatomaceous Earth. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q193414