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Ask
moms about repellents that contain the chemical DEET…and
the reviews aren’t always good. Mom Liza Johnston says, “I
hate it because it stinks.” Cary Jones says, “I’m
afraid they may be cancer causing chemicals.”
Dr. Lyle Petersen, of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
says, “Although DEET has been shown to be extremely safe,
it’s had over 50 years of use, some people are still concerned
about it’s safety.”
That’s why the CDC is recommending two products that can
also protect against mosquitoes carrying the West Nile virus. The
first product is the oil of lemon eucalyptus. Mom Beau Lefkoff
applies the new lotion to her son. She says, “It smells really
good. It’s a little greasy though.” Mom Prathiba Natarajan
says, “Just because it’s a natural product, I would
probably be more inclined to use that.” Ginny Scarritt says, “I
would love something like this, natural…but applying it
on little ones? Sprays are better.”
The other option is a spray. It’s a repellent that contains
the chemical picaridin. Beau Lefkoff says, “I can’t
really smell this one at all. It doesn’t’ really have
an odor.” Martha Leatzow says, “I like this because
this is easier to use.”
The CDC says several studies have shown both picaridin and oil
of lemon eucalyptus to be effective. But, the agency believes DEET
still offers the most protection. Dr. Lyle Petersen says, “DEET
is now marketed in higher concentrations than the other two. So
if somebody is going to be outside in the woods, let’s say
where there is a lot of mosquito exposure over a very long period
of time, DEET is probably still the best option. However, for general
use the other two are just as good.”
The CDC says wearing a repellent is a simple way
to protect against big consequences to your health. West Nile virus
has spread to 48 states. It can cause headache, nausea, and fatigue
for months at a time. In severe cases, the virus causes problems
thinking, coma, paralysis, or even death.
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By Larry Eldridge
CWK Network, Inc.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), DEET
is the active ingredient in many insect repellant products. It is used
to repel biting pests, such as mosquitoes and ticks, including ticks
that may carry Lyme disease. The concentration of DEET in products
ranges from 10 percent to more than 30 percent, leaving many parents
to question whether or not it is safe to use on small children.
Why is it even necessary to use DEET on your child? The Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention says that it receives nearly 10,000 reports of
Lyme disease (transmitted by deer ticks) and 1,000 reports of encephalitis
(transmitted by mosquitoes) annually. Both of these diseases can cause
serious health problems, or even death in the case of encephalitis. But
studies submitted to the EPA indicate DEET repels ticks for about three
to eight hours, which can protect children from developing these diseases. |
By Larry Eldridge
CWK Network, Inc.
As a parent, you can reduce your child’s risks
of side effects when using DEET by reading and following product labels.
The EPA says all DEET product labels should contain the following directions
for safe use:
- Read and follow all directions and precautions on this product
label.
- Do not apply over cuts, wounds or irritated skin.
- Do not apply to hands or near eyes and mouth of young children.
- Do not allow young children to apply this product.
- Use just enough repellent to cover exposed skin and/or clothing.
- Do not use under clothing.
- Avoid over-application of this product.
- After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water.
- Wash treated clothing before wearing it again.
- Use of this product may cause skin reactions in rare cases.
- Do not spray in enclosed areas.
- To apply to face, spray on hands
first and then rub on face. Do not spray directly onto face.
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