August 2003 |
ToxFAQs™ |
for |
DEET |
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This fact sheet answers the most frequently asked health questions
about DEET. This fact sheet is one in a series of summaries about hazardous
substances and their health effects. It’s important you understand this
information because this substance may harm you. The effects of exposure
to any hazardous substance depend on the dose, the duration, how you are
exposed, personal traits and habits, and whether other chemicals are present.
For more information, call the ATSDR Information Center at 1-888-422-8737.
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HIGHLIGHTS: When used properly,
products containing DEET repel insects. Using insect repellents
containing DEET should not present a health concern if
label directions are followed and proper precautions are
taken. Use DEET sparingly, and only on intact, exposed
skin. Wash skin with soap and water when you return indoors.
Check the label to find the percentage of DEET in the
product. The concentration indicates how long the product
will be effective. It may be necessary to reapply the
product. |
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What
is DEET? |
DEET is a chemical (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide)
used as the active ingredient in many insect repellent products.
DEET was developed by the U.S. Army in 1946 and was registered
for use by the general public in 1957. It is now widely used,
with approximately 30% of the U.S. population using DEET repellents
each year. DEET products are currently available in a variety
of forms: liquids, lotions, sprays, and even impregnated materials,
such as wristbands. Formulations registered for direct application
to human skin contain from 4% to 100% DEET. Approximately
230 products containing DEET are currently registered with
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
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What
does the DEET concentration mean? |
The concentration of DEET in a product
indicates how long the product will be effective. A higher
concentration does not mean that the product will work better.
It means that it will be effective for a longer period of
time. For example, a product containing 10% or less DEET may
last for 2 hours, whereas a product with a higher percentage
may last twice as long. Therefore, products containing lower
concentrations of DEET may need to be reapplied, depending
on the length of time a person remains outdoors. Certain types
of outdoor activities may require individuals to reapply DEET.
For example, DEET may be washed off the skin during swimming
or during vigorous outdoor activities that produce excessive
perspiration.
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What
is DEET used for? |
DEET is used to repel biting insects
and pests such as mosquitoes and ticks. DEET is designed for
direct application to human skin to repel insects, rather
than kill them.
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What
are potential health effects? |
Using insect repellents containing DEET
should not present a health concern if label directions are
followed and proper precautions are taken. In rare cases,
using DEET products may cause skin rashes. Some persons who
used products containing a high concentration (e.g., 50% or
75%) of DEET or who were exposed to excessive amounts of DEET
experienced rashes, blisters, and skin and mucous membrane
irritation. In a few cases of overdose and misuse, brain effects
(encephalopathy) and seizures occurred in children.
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What
are susceptible populations? |
A susceptible population will exhibit
a different or greater response to DEET than will most persons
exposed to the same level. Reasons include genetic make-up,
age, and health and nutritional status. Persons with preexisting
chronic skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, or a tendency
to skin allergies (atopic predisposition), and infants under
the age of 2 months may be more susceptible to the adverse
health effects of DEET.
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Are
there special considerations for children and pregnant women? |
When pregnant women are in an environment
where they are potentially exposed to an insect-borne disease
such as West Nile Virus illness, the use of products containing
DEET is considered to be safe and appropriate as a protective
measure when used as directed. The American Academy of Pediatrics
recommends using formulations containing 30% or less DEET
on children. DEET is not recommended for use on infants younger
than 2 months.
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How
do you use DEET products safely? |
DO
- Read and follow all directions and precautions on the
product label.
- Store DEET out of reach of children.
- Avoid applying repellent to infants less than 2 months
old.
- Avoid over-application of this product.
- Use just enough repellent to cover exposed skin and/or
clothing.
- Wash treated skin with soap and water after returning
indoors.
- Wash treated clothing before wearing it again.
- Spray on hands and rub on the face to apply to face.
DON'T
- Spray directly onto face.
- Apply over cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
- Apply to hands or near eyes and mouth of young children.
- Allow young children to apply this product.
- Spray aerosol or pump products in enclosed areas.
- Use on children's bedding or bedclothes.
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What
do you do in the event of a potential reaction? |
A small percentage of children and adults
may be sensitive to chemicals such as DEET. If you suspect
that you or your child is having an adverse reaction to this
product, discontinue use of the product, wash treated skin,
and call your local poison control center or physician for
help. If you go to a doctor, take the repellent container
with you.
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What are the benefits of DEET? |
The most significant benefit of DEET
is its ability to repel potentially disease-carrying insects
and ticks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) recommends use of insect repellents containing DEET
when you are outdoors.
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Where can I get more information on insect repellents? |
You can find information on insect repellents
at
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Where can I get
more information? |
ATSDR can tell you where to find occupational
and environmental health clinics. Their specialists can recognize,
evaluate, and treat illnesses resulting from exposure to hazardous
substances. You can also contact your community or state health
or environmental quality department if you have any more questions
or concerns. For more information, contact:
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Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Division of Toxicology
1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop F-32
Atlanta, GA 30333
Phone: 1-888-42-ATSDR (1-888-422-8737)
FAX: (770)-488-4178
Email: ATSDRIC@cdc.gov
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