What is DEET? Is it Safe?

This entry was posted on April 20, 2014 by First Aid Mart Team.

Is DEET bad? No - it's actually a very effective insect repellent (also spelled insect repellant accurately, in case you were wondering) and the environmental impact and safety concerns are mostly urban legend and FAR outweighed by the efficacy and heath benefits (you don't want Lyme Disease or West Nile Virus, do you?)

Environmental Working Group’s science review concluded that although DEET certainly isn’t perfect, its safety profile is actually better than a lot of people think. Given that DEET is highly effective, reasonably safe and has been used billions of times, we concluded that it’s a reasonable choice when you need a repellent that really works.

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Why Use Repellents? ( Insect Repellent & Sting Relief Products )

Bites from mosquitoes and other insects, as well as ticks (which officially are arthropods, not insects), are more than just annoying. They can lead to lasting health issues and can even result in death. Through proper use of DEET-based repellents, you and your loved ones can enjoy outdoor activities more comfortably. Perhaps more importantly, you’ll help reduce the risk of getting Lyme disease, West Nile virus and a host of other serious illnesses spread by these pests.

West Nile virus, which is spread by mosquitoes, is less common than Lyme disease but can be significantly more dangerous.

Mosquitoes, ticks and other insects can be annoying. But, being bothersome is a minor issue when compared to the serious diseases they can transmit. Here in the United States, the most common tick-borne disease is Lyme disease, spread by the deer tick.

For more on insects, visit www.aboutbugs.com.

West Nile Virus Cases Reported by the CDC

WNV Neurological Disease	WNV Fever	WNV Fatalities
11,053	15820	1083

Many WN fever and other cases are unreported

West Nile Virus (WNV) is found through out the continental United States and in all Canadian Provinces. The most serious form of the disease is neurological and results in encephalitis and meningitis, both infections that cause serious, sometimes deadly, brain inflammation. Survivors often have lingering symptoms including paralysis, blindness, and memory problems. WNV fever is less serious, but its victims can be sick for many months before recovering. The CDC reports that those with high blood pressure and diabetes are at greater risk than the general population for contracting the more serious forms of WNV. Those older than 50 are also at greater risk, but the disease can afflict individuals of all ages and in 2007 victims ranged in age from 3 months to 90 years of age.

DEET

N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide, abbreviated DEET, is a slightly yellow oil. It is the most common active ingredient in insect repellents.
Formula: C12H17NO
IUPAC ID: N,N-Diethyl-3-methylbenzamide
Melting point: -49°F (-45°C)
Boiling point: 550.4°F (288°C)
Molar mass: 191.27 g/mol
Density: 998.00 kg/m³

Insect Repellent & Sting Relief Products

When do most people think about applying Insect Repellent? AFTER they've been bitten! Be sure to stock up on Insect Sting Relief as well as Bug Repellent!
Insect Repellant & Bug Repellent Pumps and continuous spray. Wasp & Hornet Spray, Bite Relief with Applicator & Repellent Towelettes / Wipes. Protect from Asian Tiger Mosquito, Dengue, Yellow Fever, West Nile and more. See Insect Repellent & Sting Relief Products

This entry was posted in Child Safety, First Aid Articles, General Safety Topics, Health Tips, Info News and tagged DEET, flea, insect, insect repellant, Insect Repellent, lyme disease, mosquito, tick, west nile, West Nile Virus, WNV on April 20, 2014 by First Aid Mart Team. ← Previous Post Next Post →