His article on CFLs (http://www.richsoil.com/CFL-fluorescent-light-bulbs.jsp) is very cringe-worthy as well. As part of his argument, he references a report he heard of claiming that kids gained 20 IQ points by switching back to incandescent bulbs. Seriously.
My thoughts exactly. Started reading on the site a couple of weeks ago after an article about lawns on HN (which was reasonably ok and correct). His CFL article starts ok, and he does make some good and valid points but then the pseudo-science and false logic kicks in to levels that make my cry.
wikipedia: "In order to be effective as an insecticide, diatomaceous earth must be uncalcinated (i.e., it must not be heat-treated prior to application)[13] and have a mean particle size below about 12 µm (i.e., food-grade – see below)"
Its used occasionally for deworming people and considered a low risk insecticide. Just because you can eat it and it has some benefits in use cases doesn't mean you should consume as much as you can. Its the classic vitamin snake-oils sales pitch, "X is good for you thus more of X must be better for you"
I've encountered advocates of DE consumption previously. No real sense of whether it's legit or bogus, though there seems to be some plausibility. I'd have to look into other sources. Wheaton's credibility based on his other statements isn't great, and dosing and/or specific indications would be useful.
It is helpful to realize that in a pre-industrial society, parasites were very common among humans (and still are in less developed nations), including many introduced via food. Whether or not DE could combat that is arguable, but a regular intake might be argued if you're subject to parasites in your food supply. I'm more in favor of alternatives such as cooking.
It could be true if switching from 60 Hz old-style fluorescent tubes to incandescent. Working with 60 Hz lighting for those of us that can clearly see the flicker is very difficult. It's literally like trying to work under a strobe. Even at higher rates these lights have random flickering from age and other reasons. You may not consciously see flickering, but your brain does.
