Repelling insects, particularly mosquitos, has become much more important over the years. While threats of Malaria are region-specific, those insects we used to repel merely for sanity are now carriers of various other infections such as West Nile Virus.
N,N-Diethyl-m-toluamide, or DEET, as it's commonly known, is found in the vast majority of insect repellents on the market, and though effective, DEET can have some harmful effects on your health and the environment.
- Personal Health
While approved by the EPA, DEET can be very harmful to adults and children. DEET is a known eye irritant, and, for some, the chemical may cause rashes, soreness or blistering when applied to the skin.
Additionally, DEET has been linked to neurological problems in adults and children over the decades. Studies have shown that frequent use of DEET increases the possibility of these incidents, and they can occur in either children or adults. According to the EPA, at least 18 different cases of children suffering adverse nuerological effects, as well as the deaths of two adults have been associated with DEET.
- Environment
In addition to the health risks posed by DEET, the chemical has been shown to have a negative impact on wildlife and water sources from both production and use.
Although DEET is relatively non-toxic to small mammals, it is considered toxic to birds and aquatic life. Unfortunately, the production and use of DEET has led to the chemical being found in approximately 75% of U.S. water sources, including the Mississippi River.
While these health and environmental risks have always been associated with DEET, it wasn't until recently that there were effective, more natural methods to repel insects.
In the past few years, Picaridin and Lemon Eucalyptus have gained the approval of the EPA and Center for Disease Control as effective alternatives. While these more natural options are not quite as long-lasting as DEET, they are proven repellants, and work well if reapplied frequently.
The Insect Repellent DEET. Pesticides: Topical and Chemical Fact Sheets. U.S. Enivronmental Protection Agency. June 4, 2007. http://www.epa.gov/opp00001/factsheets/chemicals/deet.htm
Picaridin. New Pesticide Fact Sheet. U.S. Enivronmental Protection Agency. June 4, 2007. http://www.epa.gov/opprd001/factsheets/picaridin.pdf
West Nile Virus. Questions and Answers. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. June 4, 2007. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/qa/insect_repellent.htm
