Mosquitoes, ticks, West Nile virus, Lyme disease - grab the insect repellent and spray, spray, spray. Not so fast!! Better read the labels verrry carefully. DEET products vary in strengths from 4% to 100%. Only the lowest concentrations should be used around children and then use only on clothing because DEET is easily absorbed through the skin. Absorption increases proportionate to the concentration.1

DEET repellents are not totally safe, and pose the greatest risk for children especially with repeated usage. According to Marion Moses, MD, founder of the Pesticide Education Center, San Francisco, CA, DEET is very toxic to the brain and nervous system. It can cause headache, tremor, weakness, paralysis, slurred speech, emotional / behavior changes, seizures and death in rare instances. More common symptoms may be skin rash, blistering, or allergic reaction.2

Many parents are not likely to make the connection between mild symptoms or behavior problems to DEET exposure, and are less likely to report it, even if they suspect an association.

"DEET is a chemical solvent and plastizer...it causes rapid deterioration of plastics...builds up readily in small bodies, especially during summer (when) heat causes pores to open more readily." DEET is capable of damaging plastic eye glasses frames, watch crystals, synthetic fabrics, leather, painted or varnished surfaces. 3

Because DEET products are applied directly to skin and clothing and have been implicated in causing childhood seizures, EPA now requires clear, improved label warnings and restrictions on all DEET products. New registration requires that child safety claims must be eliminated from all consumer product labels. However, existing supplies with misleading labels can remain on the shelves until 2003.

People with skin sensitivity - acne, psoriasis, or other chronic skin condition, should exercise discretion in using any repellent. Sensitization to a pesticide can develop after repeated exposures. Once a person has become sensitized to a chemical, it takes a much smaller amount to cause future allergic reactions. Repeated exposures can bring on attacks sooner, make them last longer, and increase their severity. 4

EPA recommends using great caution when using DEET on children. Application should be limited to exposed areas of skin, using as little as possible of the lowest concentrations, 5 % - 6%, and washing off after every use.

Avoid applying to eyes, mouth or hands. Avoid repeated applications day after day. For continuous protection DEET products should be alternated with repellents that have different active ingredients.

EPA warns, "if headache or any kind of emotional or behavioral change occurs, use of DEET should be discontinued immediately. If a child is having an adverse reaction to a DEET product, discontinue use, wash treated skin, and call your local poison control number, or physician for help."5

Prudent avoidance warrants minimizing use of DEET repellents, but fear of disease from vector insects causes people to misuse and overuse these products. Buyer beware.

For more information on health effects of pesticides, or for assistance in recognizing and managing pesticide poisoning symptoms, contact the Pesticide Education Center, 415-391-8511 or the National Pesticide Telecommunication Network (NPTN) at 1-800-858-7378.

There are a number of alternative products available with less toxic or nontoxic ingredients. They may require more frequent applications, but generally pose less risk to the user. Sporting goods and health food stores often carry non-toxic repellents. The following items can be ordered direct.

- GONE - safe and natural insect deterrent spray with powerful herbal oils 1-800-282-7394 WWW.AUBREY-ORGANICS.com

- All Terrain Herbal Armor Insect Repellent at sport shops and health food stores, or 1-800-2-INSECT

- BUZZ AWAY spray, stick-on-squares, wrist band (safe for kids), citronella towelettes Penn Herb Co. 1-800-523-9971

- Outdoor Herbal Spray (The Bug Disenchanter) with neem leaf extract - really works! 1-800-677-8577 IMHOTEP, Inc.

- BiteBlocker works up to 10 hours, available over the counter in drugstores.



REFERENCES:

1. Fradin, Mark, MD, "Mosquitoes and Mosquito Repellents: A Clinician's Guide," Annals of Internal Medicine. 1 June 1998; 128:931-940.

2. Moses, Marion, MD, Designer Poisons, Pesticide Education Center, San Francisco, CA, 1995.

3. Fradin, Mark, MD, "Mosquitoes and Mosquito Repellents: A Clinician's Guide," Annals of Internal Medicine. 1 June 1998; 128:931-940.