Is bug spray okay for kids?
June 4th, 2010Although DEET is generally considered safe when used according to directions, some people prefer not to use it. For that reason, Consumer Reports tested several products that use plant oils instead. It is important to remember that essential oils, while derived from plants that grow naturally, are chemicals too. Some are potentially hazardous if ingested, applied over wounds, cuts, irritated skin, or mucus membranes such as the eyes.
Some non-DEET repellent products which are intended to be applied directly to skin, also provide some protection from mosquito bites. However, studies have suggested that other products do not offer the same level of protection, or that protection does not last as long as products containing DEET. A soybean-oil-based product has been shown to product has been shown to provide protection for a period of time similar to a product with a low concentration of DEET (4.75%). (Information courtesy Texas Cooperative Extension)
Avoid DEET if you’re pregnant-here are some tips about how to use bug spray safely-http://www.extension.org/pages/IPM_in_Your_Home:_A_Guide_to_Insect_Repellents
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