DEET Mosquito Repellent: How safe it it?
DEET was created by the United States Department of Agriculture
and the U.S. Army to protect soldiers from insect bites. For
years, it was not completely understood how it worked and,
over time, health claims were levied against it.
DEET is the basic ingredient used in the common mosquito
repellent. A recent study conducted by researchers at Rockefeller
University revealed that DEET conceals human scent, such as
our breath, sweat, and the carbon dioxide and lactic acid
that our bodies naturally emit; all are odours that attract
insects. What does DEET mosquito repellent do? It confuses
the insect’s olfactory sense.
Health Issues Associated with DEET
 “A
study conducted in the late 1980s on Everglades National Park
employees to determine the effects of DEET found that a full
one-quarter of the subjects studied experienced negative health
effects that they blamed on exposure to the chemical. Effects
included rashes, skin irritation, numb or burning lips, nausea,
headaches, dizziness and difficulty concentrating.”
When DEET mosquito repellent is sprayed on the skin, it is
absorbed into the body and enters into the bloodstream. Based
on French studies showing that DEET has an adverse affect
on the central nervous system of mice, information was circulated
warning users that heavy exposure to DEET can produce a buildup
in the body that can have negative effects on the human nervous
system. It has also been reported that, in certain cases,
it can cause memory loss, headaches, fatigue, shortness of
breath, and muscle/joint pain.
Pesticides are available in a wide range of potency levels.
For example, OFF! Family care contains 7%, while OFF! Deep
Woods contains 25%. In order to avoid an excess dose of DEET,
read the label carefully, and/or consult the pharmacist. Choose
the one that suits your needs.
Recent DEET Data
The Environmental Protection Agency of the United States
has recently finished a comprehensive re-evaluation of DEET.
The EPA has concluded that health risks are low if users of
DEET follow the guidelines below:
- Strictly adhere to the manufacturer’s directions
- Do not spray on cuts, wounds, rashes, or irritated skin.
- Spray on the hands in order to apply to the face.
- Do not apply on the hands, near the mouth or eyes of small
children.
- Wash off with soap and water.
Although many have health concerns regarding DEET mosquito
repellent, it continues to be one of the most powerful defenses
against insects, and an effective method of prevention against
mosquito-borne diseases.
Choose a DEET mosquito repellent with that in mind. Read
labels attentively, follow instructions conscientiously, and
when in doubt, consult the pharmacist.
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