Some insect repellents contain strong active ingredients.
Increased awareness of diseases, such as West Nile virus, associated with mosquito bites has caused more consumers to consider pesticides and other repellents as a defense. The number of insect repellents on the market has grown as a result, offering more varieties and combinations of active ingredients. It's important to understand which active ingredients your repellent contains, and the benefits and risks associated with each. Does this Spark an idea?
DEET
The majority of mosquito repellents on the market contain a chemical ingredient known as DEET. The amount of DEET in a product registered for direct application to human skin can range from 4 to 100 percent. These products are available in many forms, including sprays, lotions and liquids. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has approved the use of DEET directly on the skin, there is some concern about potential toxicity to humans. These advocates recommend applying DEET products to clothing rather than skin, and choosing those containing lower levels of the ingredient.
It should be noted that, despite these concerns, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that it is acceptable to use products containing low levels on DEET on children older than 2 months. The use of the product should be weighed against the threat of mosquito-borne illnesses in the area, and the child's exposure to the outdoors.
Picaridin
Picaridin is an insect repellent that was widely used in Australia and Europe before being introduced to the U.S. market. Repellents which rely on this ingredient to provide protection from insects generally contain 5 to 25 percent picaridin. The colorless, almost odorless liquid repels not only mosquitoes, but ticks, biting flies and chiggers, as well. Consumer Reports found in independent testing that picaridin is the only alternative to DEET that provides comparable protection from insect bites.
Natural Alternatives
Since some consumers are concerned about the potential side effects of chemicals like DEET and picaridin, there are other mosquito repellents which rely on biopesticides. These insect fighters are derived from natural sources such as plants, animals and certain minerals. Some examples of these include oil of lemon eucalyptus and citronella oil. Products containing citronella oil are usually sold in candle form, and emit a fragrance that masks the CO2 or lactic acid produced by humans which attracts mosquitoes.
While some find the natural solutions more palatable and deem them safer, independent consumer research has shown that these alternatives are far less effective than the chemical repellents.
General Caution
With all insect repellents, experts caution against use outside the recommended guidelines. Use care when applying these products to the skin, avoiding the nose, mouth and eyes. When returning to the indoors, it's recommended that you wash repellent off of the skin with soap and water.
Tags: active ingredients, insect repellents, about potential, associated with, mosquito repellents, protection from, repellents market