Monday, August 3, 2009

Why You Need to Avoid DEET-Based Mosquito Repellents?

DEET-based mosquito repellents are almost a rage among people and there were clear reasons behind this wide acceptance of DEET-based repellents. DEET is one of the most effective mosquito repellents available in the market. And, therefore, N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide, or DEET, became possibly the most widely used active ingredient in mosquito repellents. However, recent scientific research suggests that DEET has serious consequences on the human health. It is true that the CDC and the environmental protection agency advocate DEET usage provided it is being used as directed.

But, these institutions advocate DEET usage disregarding the fact that chemicals like DEET that are applied topically can cause serious damage to the organs in the body by getting mixed with the blood stream. The skin absorbs DEET and this facilitates its entry into the blood stream. DEET gets into the nervous system through the blood stream and it is thought that this can lead to neurological damage of the most severe kind. Children are under a heightened risk of DEET-borne perils as their skin absorbs this chemical more easily. DEET also makes a more sever impact on the nervous system of children as their nervous system is still under the development stage. In fact, the EPA is against frequent usage of DEET.

Institutions like CDC and EPA support DEET mainly because of the life-threatening diseases mosquitoes can spread. Therefore, these institutions are advising people to bear with this toxic just enough so that they prevent mosquito bites. However, this does not make DEET completely safe. Recent research on rats has revealed that death of brain cells occur as a result of prolonged DEET usage. In addition, this chemical should not be combined with other insecticides. It can also interact with other medications to cause harmful health effects.

Now, if DEET cannot be used, what can save humans from mosquito bites? There are several natural options available to keep away mosquitoes. Soybean oil is among the best natural mosquito repellents. Cloves, cinnamon oil, citronella oil and castor oil are commonly used ingredients of natural repellents. With the advancements in technology, new ways of blending and developing products have evolved. This makes natural repellents almost as effective as DEET-based repellents. So, why put your life at risk when you have such a safe and effective option available to you?