Post date: September 6, 2024 | Adventure
The Dangers of DEET in Bug Spray: What You Need To Know
Doesn’t it seem like during the warm Summer months, every bug crawls out of it’s hiding space and wants to fly directly at you? And as Summer goes on and on, the bugs get more frequent and bold, causing bug spray to become a staple household product. The only issue? DEET.
DEET, or N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, is a common and effective ingredient for repelling mosquitos, ticks, and other pests. However, concerns about the safety around DEET have been growing.
So, in this blog, let’s explore the dangers of some insect repellants that rely on this chemical and offer some good natural alternatives that are proven to be person-safe yet bug-deadly so you and your family can enjoy your outdoor summer activities.
Before we jump in, if you’re looking for a more natural insect repellent, we’ve got you covered with Volt Defend Natural Insect Repellant.
Check out the following video for more info on what makes Volt the best choice on the market for natural bug sprays:
What is DEET?
N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide is a chemical compound developed by the U.S. Army in 1946, and its purpose was to protect US soldiers from disease-ridden insects that could be causing infections.
DEET works by blocking and interfering with a bugs sensory receptors. This makes it difficult for them to locate and bite whatever you spray the DEET on.
Overall, it is greatly effective and certain commercial products contain anywhere from just 5% to 100% concentration of the chemical.
Let’s explore what research says the biggest dangers are.
The Dangers of DEET: Here’s What Research Says
- Skin Irritation and Allergic Reactions
- Unfortunately, DEET has been known to cause irritation on the skin, especially the products with higher concentrations of DEET. These symptoms, like most symptoms, range from mild to severe, with special cases reporting rashes and burns that have required medical attention.
- Neurotoxicity Concerns
- Studies have shown that prolonged and excessive use of DEET can have potentially damaging neurological effects such as headaches, dizziness, difficulty when concentrating, and even seizures in both children and adults,
- Environmental Impact
- Unfortunately, when DEET is washed off into water systems, it can also harm aquatic life. It’s been detected in various bodies of water and it’s persistence as a common household product raises concerns about the lasting ecological effects it can have.
- Interactions with Other Chemicals
- DEET can also interact with other chemicals, potentially leading to increased toxicity. As one example, DEET, when combined with certain ingredients in sunscreen, can enhance skin absorption, leading to higher levels of the chemical in the bloodstream. This is why it’s important to be cautious when using multiple products containing chemicals at a single time.
Safer Alternatives
Although DEET is absolutely effective, the potential downsides have caused many to seek safer and more natural alternatives. Here are a few options that we use here at Volt in our own natural DEET-Free insect repellant.
- Essential Oils: Certain essential natural oils like citronella oil, lemon eucalyptus oil, and peppermint oil have the same effect on insects that DEET has.
- Corn Ethanol: This naturally occurring alcohol source is used as a solvent for the repellant and blends the oils together and leaves them behind on the skin when it dries.
- Purified Water: To keep things natural, and to control the drying properties of alcohol, we’ve added purified water to dilute the alcohol and further mix the oils.
Despite Volt using only these natural ingredients, we’ve come up with an insect repellant that lasts up to 7 hours!
Tips for Using DEET Safely
If you choose to use DEET, here are some tips to minimize risks:
- Use the Lowest Effective Concentration: buy products that use lower concentrations of DEET, just enough to get the job done.
- Apply Sparingly: Use just enough to cover exposed skin and clothing, and try to avoid over-applying.
- Avoid Sensitive Areas: Keep the spray away from your eyes, mouth, and any open wounds.
- Wash Off After Use: Wash away any excess bug spray once you’re back indoors to prevent prolonged skin exposure and absorption.
Conclusion
While DEET still remains a popular choice in the world of insect repellant, we’re lucky enough to have more natural options flooding the market. by understanding the risks of repellants that use this chemical, you’ll be better equipped to choose an insect repellant that works better for you.
Consider the safer alternatives, like Volt’s Insect Defender repellant, and be sure to always use your products responsibly and safely so you can enjoy the outdoors for as long as possible!
If you’re curious about other Volt products and want to find what’s best for you, consider taking this short quiz below!
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