It is that time of year where we all start thinking about going on holiday. If you are like me and seem to be some sort of insect and mosquito honeypot then you start considering what repellent to take with you. Most commercial insect repellents contain DEET, but there are a few things you should consider before turning to this chemical...
DEET was originally created as a pesticide in the US and was first used as a insect repellent during World War 2. Since then it has been distributed more commercially as insect repellents. Overall is has been shown to have little side effects from the quantity of people that regularly apply it, but that doesn't mean I want to put a pesticide all over me.
The effects of using DEET on human health isn't widely known, but the following have been reported through studies and history of application.
- DEET can cause skin irritations and it is advised by manufacturers that it should not be used underclothing or on damaged skin and should be washed off after use.
- DEET has caused seizures
- DEET has been found to cause insomnia, mood disturbances and impaired cognitive function
- DEET has been found to inhibit the activity of a central nervous system enzyme in both insects and mammals, which can cause paralysis and death by asphyxiation.
- DEET can dissolve plastics, synthetic fabrics and varnished surfaces such as nail varnish
- DEET cannot be used on children less than 2 months old
- DEET is starting to lose its effectiveness against insects http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21519998
- 40% of DEET applied to the skin makes it into the bloodstream
- It takes at least 24hrs for DEET to be processed by your body http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/DEETgen.pdf
- If ingested it could cause death http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/local/310348/cocktail-lethal-for-sisters
I have however found an amazing natural alternative that works so much better than DEET! Check out my post on Natural Mosquito Repellent next week
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