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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