DEET is the most common mosquito repellent used in the US.
DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) is the main ingredient in most common insect repellent products. Each year approximately one-third of the U.S. population is expected to use DEET, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It is absorbed directly through skin in the form of mosquito and tick repelling lotions, sprays, wristbands and other products. DEET pesticide dissolves plastics but its effect on plants has yet to be determined. Does this Spark an idea?
Use on Children
The EPA determined that DEET is not harmful to children when label directions are followed. Label directions include warnings to keep it away from cuts, scratches, eyes, mouth or skin underneath clothing. Parents are advised to thoroughly wash children with soap and water when they return indoors. DEET is categorized as an "indoor residential use" pesticide and a limited set of toxicity data was required to gain EPA approval. Testing on plant life was not required to gain EPA approval as a Class II pesticide.
Effect on Children
In 2011 the Aghia Children's Hospital in Greece reported a higher incidence of seizure, coma and behavioral changes in children exposed to DEET insect repellent products. Anecdotal reports of DEET's ability to dissolve plastic are reported in "Nature", the International Weekly Journal of Science. The relationship between DEET use and seizures has been strengthened through experimental research at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. Research indicates that girls are more susceptible to DEET poisoning than boys.
Effect on Wildlife and Plant Life
No research literature exists on the effect DEET has on plant membranes or growth patterns. DEET breaks down fairly slowly in soil and is a common water contaminant. It survives water treatment plants and biodegradation. The US Geological Survey found DEET present in over 70 percent of analyzed samples of water. Defects of the circulatory system, the nervous system, muscles and skeletal system have been found in birds exposed to DEET.
Pesticide Synergy
DEET is more toxic when combined with other commonly used pesticide chemicals. Researchers at Duke University found that DEET and malathion causes more midbrain nerve cell death than DEET alone. Permethrin household insecticide products also increase the toxicity of DEET when they come in contact with each other. Both these products cross the placental wall of pregnant women, exposing the fetus to chemical toxicity.
Tags: exposed DEET, gain approval, insect repellent, insect repellent products, most common