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One of
the worst things about summertime is the increase in mosquitos and other
biting, buzzing, and annoying insects.  Image Credit
Many of
us turn to insect repellent sprays, candles, or lotions to keep the bugs from
making us their dinners, but do you know if those products are safe? DEET, a
popular insect repellent, is used by
an estimated 30 percent of Americans every year, and researchers
estimate people around the world put on DEET 200 million times a year.
DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide)
has been sold to US consumers since the 1950s and was originally developed by
the US Army. Here is a great video about
DEET.
The Good
DEET has
been the focus of dozens of studies, all of which show the product is generally
safe and, contrary
to many internet reports, does not cause nervous system damage and
very rarely causes skin reactions. One study followed women in Thailand who
used DEET during pregnancy and found that, not only did the women have less
incidences of malaria, but the babies born were healthy and of the same weight,
length, and head circumference as babies born to women not using DEET.
British
experts say more harm occurs when people use too little DEET and put themselves
at risk of harmful insect-borne diseases.
The Bad
As with
any chemical there are risks. In concentrations of 50 percent and above (which
does not act as a better repellent) DEET has been shown to cause allergic skin
reactions and eye irritation. In 2013, 4,000 DEET-related calls were made to
poison control centers. Most serious symptoms, such as seizures, slurred
speech, coma, and death, occurred in people who ingested DEET, applied it for
three or more days in a row, or used products with 95 percent DEET or more.
To Sum It Up
Doctors
in countries where people are at a greater risk of insect-borne diseases, such
as malaria or West Nile virus, recommend
using DEET in concentrations between 20 and 50 percent. They
also recommend that in children, seniors, and those with weakened immunity use
extra caution when handling DEET.
And there are plenty of ways to avoid mosquitos while
also avoiding DEET.
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When you're sitting on a deck or patio, plug in
a fan to blow away mosquitoes.
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If you need a repellent, first try plant-based
products. If you opt for DEET, use products with appropriate concentrations,
such as Off Family-Care Smooth & Dry spray.
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Don't
drink as much beer (outside)
What's your solution to keeping the bugs away?
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Re: The Deal with DEET
