Read insect repellent labels carefully to find the safest products for your family.
Many people love being outdoors but don't like sharing nature with insect pests like mosquitoes, ticks, deerflies and gnats. Finding the right insect repellent poses problems because many commercial products contain toxic chemicals that can cause health hazards to humans. Fortunately, consumers can find an array of products that do not contain these chemicals and pose no threat to health. Does this Spark an idea?
About Insect Repellents
Insect repellents come in a wide variety of products in a number of different strengths. Of course, children playing outdoors do not need the same strength as that used for a grown adult hunting in heavy forest overgrowth, so read labels carefully and use only as directed. Pay attention to label warnings such as those warning against use of the product on children under 3. Do not ever use insect repellents on children under 2 months of age.
DEET
The safety of Deet, or N,N dimethyl-metatoluamide, has been under question for many years. After much study, the EPA completed its 1998, finding Deet to be safe when used according to label directions. Product that contain less than 10 percent of Deet is safe for use on children, but it should be applied by an adults. Some people may be sensitive to the chemical and suffer reactions such as skin irritation, confusion and difficulties in judgment.
Picaridin
Picaridin is a piperidine derivative used for its insecticidal properties, with an effectiveness that is similar to Deet. The World Health Organization recommended the product for use against mosquitos in 2000 for its safety, effectiveness and cosmetic properties. It is less irritating to sensitive skin than Deet products. Picaridin is available in 5 percent and 10 percent strengths
Permethrin
Permethrin is a chemical extracted from a type of chrysanthemum plant. It is approved for use as an insect repellent only on clothes, not on skin. Permethrin is effective on clothing for 2 weeks or more if the clothing is not laundered. It can, however, cause eye irritation in some people.
Natural Oils
A number of natural oils are useful for their insect repellent properties and are among the safest for humans to use. Lemon Eucalyptus Oil efficacy as a insect repellent tests just behind results for lower levels of Deet in EPA studies, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Soybean oil is similar in its efficacy and is used in a number of "natural" products on the market. Citronella and geranium are two other oils used as natural insect repellents offered for those wishing to find the safest type of repellents that avoid toxic chemicals.
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