Facts about Mosquito and Insect Repellent Spray

90% of the mosquito repellent spray in the market right now is made of DEET, yes, nobody can denied the effectiveness of DEET mosquito repellent spray. But do you really know what DEET is? have you ever think is DEET really safe and will that be any side effect to our health? and what about if there is side effect to environment?

Let share some facts about "DEET":

What is "DEET"?
DEET is a chemical ingredient to be used in rubber, plastic cement or paint remover. DEET also called (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) in chemical naming, is one of the most effective used to repel harmful insect such as mosquitoes, ticks and gnats. DEET has been registered with US Environment Protection Agency (EPA) for use as insect repellent on skin and clothing. DEET started to be used by US army during the war to repel mosquitoes in 1946 and released to public in 1957. DEET is now being recognised by many countries as a best insecticide for mosquito and insect repellent in the world.

"DEET" side effect to human health
DEET is safe to be used if use with care and use as per instruction. DEET is a chemical ingredient, if use for long term or excessively amount; it may cause skin cancer or birth defect. DEET is not recommended to be used on sensitive skin because it can cause skin allergic, irritates, rashes or numb. DEET can also cause eyes irritate. If accidentally swallowed, it can cause vomit, diarrhea, poison or fatal and doctor treatment is needed immediately. Children should not use DEET insecticide without parental consent. Baby and pregnant woman is not recommended to use DEET other than natural made insecticide.

"DEET" side effect to environment
DEET insecticide is a flammable product so does not expose it direct under the sun because it can cause explosion and air pollution. Do not throw DEET insecticide into river or sea because it can cause water pollution and causing death to sea species such as fish and turtle.

As a precaution, manufacturers advise that DEET products should not be used under clothing or on damaged skin, and that preparations be washed off after they are no longer needed or between applications. DEET can act as an irritant; in rare cases, it may cause skin reactions.
In the DEET Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED), the United States Environmental Protection Agency‎ (EPA) reported 14 to 46 cases of potential DEET-associated seizures, including 4 deaths. The EPA states: "... it does appear that some cases are likely related to DEET toxicity," but observed that with 30% of the US population using DEET, the likely seizure rate is only about one per 100 million users.
The Pesticide Information Project of Cooperative Extension Offices of Cornell University states that "Everglades National Park employees having extensive DEET exposure were more likely to have insomnia, mood disturbances and impaired cognitive function than were lesser exposed co-workers".
When used as directed, products containing between 10% to 30% DEET have been found by The American Academy of Pediatrics to be safe to use on children as well as adults but recommends that DEET not be used on infants less than two months old.
Recently, DEET has been found to inhibit the activity of a central nervous system enzyme, acetyl cholinesterase, in both insects and mammals. This enzyme is involved in the hydrolysis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, thus playing a role in the function of the neurons which control muscles. Because of this property, many insecticides are used to block acetylcholinesterase, which leads to an excessive accumulation of acetylcholine at the synaptic cleft, causing neuromuscular paralysis and death by asphyxiation. DEET is commonly used in combination with insecticides and has the capacity to strengthen the toxicity of carbamates a class of insecticides known to block acetylcholinesterase. These findings bring evidence that, besides having known toxic effects on the olfactory system, DEET also acts on the brain of insects, and that its toxicity is strengthened in combination with other insecticides.

How to choose good mosquito repellent spray:

• Effective
• Safe
• Natural made
• DEET free

The below mosquito repellent spray is recommended to be used:

Moz Away Mosquito Repellent Spray:

• 100% natural plant oil (Citronella, Neem)
• Long protection hour
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor
• DEET FREE, Non greasy, staining and alcohol free
• Safe for baby and children
• Suitable for all skins
• Easy to use and carry especially when you travel  Travellers favourite!

Why use Citronella oil?

Citronella oil is violating liquid oil derived from dried cultivated grasses. It works on insects without harming and killing them and it has a distinctive odor which make difficult for some insects such as mosquitoes to locate host. Citronella oil also can be used to repel other insects like black flies, flea and ticks.

Why use Neem oil?

One of the active ingredients ‘azadirachtin’ is isolated from Neem; ‘azadirachtin’ has been proven 90% effective to be the main agent for batting insects especially to mosquitoes. In some countries, Neem has been using since few decades as a natural pesticide in controlling harmful insects especially to mosquitoes.

mosquito repellent I mosquito repellents I mosquitoes repellent I mosquito repeller I mosquito repel I natural mosquito repellent I mosquito repellent natural I best mosquito repellent I best mosquito repellents I mosquito repellers I mosquito repellent review I mosquito repellent reviews I mosquito repellent for babies I organic mosquito repellent
Back to Top