Mosquitoes can be dangerous, but a chemical remedy is not always best.
In light of the West-Nile virus outbreak that began in the early 2000s, widespread concern has developed about mosquito bites. Indeed, a mosquito with prior exposure to the disease can infect a human by biting him to feed on his blood. Once a human has come into contact with the disease, it can be deadly; however, using chemical mosquito repellents pose a danger all their own.
Breathing Problems
According to Current Science Online, scientists have associated mosquito repellents, particularly those containing the chemical DEET, with a group of common breathing problems. In a survey study the Malaria Research Centre performed, 57 percent of the doctors who participated in the survey reported that patients who began to have breathing problems such as asthma or bronchial irritation, required treatment. Also, there is evidence that some who incur exposure to these chemicals who were not previously asthmatic may develop asthma after having come into contact with these chemicals. The asthma doesn't necessarily go away, even after exposure to the chemicals has ceased.
Absorption Through Skin
According to collier-mosquito.org, absorption through the skin is a serious health hazard. Once inside your skin, it enters your bloodstream and can damage your lungs, kidneys, or other vital organs.
Even if not enough DEET gets through the skin to cause widespread damage, skin irritation is possible. Westnile.ca.gov indicates that people have broken out into rashes, for example, when using mineral oil or alcohol-based chemicals to fend off mosquitoes.
Neurological symptoms
Babies and young children are especially vulnerable to brain damage. The IPM Institute indicates that exposure to DEET and permethium could lead to motor dysfunction and learning disabilities in children.
Motor dysfunction and learning disabilities are not the only hazard that mosquito repellent and its associated chemicals pose. According to the collier-mosquito.org, in October 1989, there were reports of five individuals--three in New York and two in Connecticut--who came down with seizures, all in a two-day period.
Misuse
According to westnile.ca.gov, organophosphates can be especially harmful, and can lead to fatality if you misuse them. IPM Institute describes them as a highly poisonous group of pesticides that negatively affect the central nervous system, cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
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