INSECT REPELLENTS

HAZARDOUS CONSTITUENT POSSIBLE EFFECTS
BUTOPYRONOXYL Can cause mild necrosis in liver and kidney
CIMETHYL PHTHALATE Ingestion causes central nervous system depression; not absorbed by the skin
DIETHYLTOLUAMIDE Irritant to sensitive skin and respiratory tract tissues

As the name indicates, insect repellents deter mosquitoes, gnats, and other insects from biting and annoying the user. Common active ingredients in repellents include: Diethyl toluanide, Dimethyl phthlate, Ethyl hexanediol, Indalone, Di-n-propylisocinchoronate, Bicycloheptene dicarboximide, and Tetrahydro furaldehyde. The literature reports at least five cases of toxic exposures due to excessive skin absorption of diethyltoluamide (DEET), a common ingredient in twelve of the fifteen insect repellents examined by Consumers Union. Symptoms in all cases included loss of coordination, anxiety, behavioral changes, and mental confusion. Liver and kidney damage have been linked to indalone and ethyl hexanediol. Long-term skin application of indalone has caused liver and kidney damage in animals. Ethyl hexanediol may cause liver and kidney damage. Ingestion of large doses of insect repellent may cause loss of coordination, central nervous system depression, and possibly coma.

Use: Use sparingly. Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and sensitive skin.

Storage: Keep out of the reach of children.

Disposal: Insect repellents are pesticides. With the exception of insect repellents containing banned or otherwise restricted pesticides, the best way to get rid of them is to use them up as intended. Insect repellents should never be burned, buried, mixed together, poured on the ground, dumped in the water, or poured down the drain. Leftover portions of all pesticides, including insect repellents, must be disposed of by a licensed hazardous waste handler or through a professional household hazardous waste collection.

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