Other insect repellents like N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET) causes local irritation and discomfort when introduced into the eyes or oral cavity. Ingestions of DEET have also been associated with nausea, vomiting, hypotension, encephalopathy, seizure, coma, and ataxia (Chen-Hussey et al., 2014).
People that have swallowed products containing DEET have experienced stomach upset, vomiting, and nausea. Very rarely, exposure to DEET has been associated with seizures in people.
DEET is a widely used repellent that deters pests by making it harder for them to smell humans. Despite being effective, it has faced controversy over potential health and environmental impacts, including skin irritation and toxicity concerns. Some countries have even banned DEET due to these risks.
DEET is commonly found in insect repellants. If used properly, the health risk of using these products is very low. DEET products are extensively used with very little risk to human health. Occasionally, there have been reports of people having negative reactions after excessive use of repellents containing DEET.
Studies have shown that Picaridin is effective, safe and has fewer unpleasant qualities than DEET. Picaridin is odorless, does not melt plastics, or feel oily on skin.
Technical grade Picaridin has low acute oral, dermal and inhalation toxicity. It is classified as Toxicity Category IV for acute inhalation toxicity and primary dermal irritation and Toxicity Category III for acute oral, acute dermal and primary eye irritation.
“Covering up as much as possible during the summer is really important, and applying an EPA-registered insect repellent, with ingredients such as DEET and picaridin,” McMeniman said. For people who prefer botanical products, he recommends oil of lemon eucalyptus.
Why does DEET have a reputation for being harmful? DEET is neither intended nor safe for ingestion. Dr. Amin notes that oral intake can result in side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and (in rare cases) seizures.
Products containing DEET are typically very low risk when people use them correctly. DEET can cause skin irritation in some people, but this is rare. Some people who have used high strength DEET or had exposure to DEET over a long period have experienced adverse effects. DEET is also toxic if ingested.
Bug spray should be used carefully, and you shouldn't need to apply it more than once per day. “You really want to control the amount of bug spray you use. Put it only in areas where you think you need it and not in excessive amounts,” Chon says. The most well-known bug spray ingredient is DEET.
exposure can cause asthma attacks with shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and/or chest tightness. exposure may cause bronchitis to develop with coughing, phlegm, and/or shortness of breath. ► d-trans-Allethrin may damage the liver and kidneys.
Studies with products containing a mixture of plant oils (citronella, cajuput, lavender, safrole-free sassafras, peppermint, calendula, soy and tea tree oils) have shown them to be modestly effective, repelling mosquitoes for about two hours.
Picaridin has been widely used as an insect repellent in Europe and Australia, but has only been available in the United States since 2005.
The U.S. EPA classified picaridin as "not likely to be carcinogenic to humans" based on dermal exposure. This determination was based on chronic dermal studies performed on rats and mice. See the text box on Cancer. No human data were found on carcinogenic effects of picaridin.
Active ingredients are: Picaridin 10%.
As with DEET, the EPA has concluded that the normal use of picaridin does not present a health concern. Studies have shown picaridin to be slightly more effective than DEET in repelling mosquitoes, and equally as effective as DEET against ticks.
Planting lavender in your garden or using lavender essential oil can help repel mosquitoes. Peppermint Oil has a strong scent that mosquitoes find unpleasant. Diluted peppermint oil can be applied to the skin or used in diffusers to deter mosquitoes. Basil plants emit a strong aroma that repels mosquitoes.
3M Ultrathon Insect Repellent Lotion
Another top-selling mosquito repellent lotion is Ultrathon Insect Repellent Lotion from 3M. This lotion contains about 34% DEET to repel not only mosquitoes, but biting flies, chiggers, deer flies, ticks, gnats, and fleas.
Some people have had skin irritation from using products containing picaridin, although this is very uncommon. If picaridin gets into someone's eyes, it may also cause irritation. When researchers fed large doses of picaridin to rats, the rats lost weight and their kidneys were affected.
Kim said a 1991 review found many cases where high DEET concentrations were linked to severe skin reactions and neurological problems including seizures. Doctors also onsidered DEET to be the probable cause of the deaths of three children, although the link was not proven, she said.