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INFO FROM CDC ON WEST NILE:
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Insect Repellent Use and Safety |
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Quick Links: General Active Ingredients Proper Use Children Sunscreen More Information |
General
Questions
Q. Why should I use insect repellent?
A. Insect repellents can help reduce exposure to mosquito bites
that may carry viruses such as West Nile virus that can cause serious illness
and even death. Using insect repellent allows you to continue to play and work
outdoors with a reduced risk of mosquito bites.
Q. When should I use
mosquito repellent?
A. Apply repellent when you are going to be outdoors. Even if
you don’t notice mosquitoes there is a good chance that they are around. Many
of the mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus bite between dusk and dawn. If you
are outdoors around these times of the day, it is especially important to apply
repellent. In many parts of the country, there are mosquitoes that also bite
during the day, and some of these mosquitoes have also been found to carry West
Nile virus.
Q. How often should
repellent be reapplied?
A. In general you should re-apply repellent if you are being
bitten by mosquitoes. Always follow the directions on the product you are using.
Sweating, perspiration or getting wet may mean that you need to re-apply
repellent more frequently.
Repellents containing a higher concentration (higher percentage) of active ingredient typically provide longer-lasting protection.
Q. How does mosquito
repellent work?
A. Female mosquitoes bite people and animals
because they need the protein found in blood to help develop their eggs.
Mosquitoes are attracted to people by skin odors and carbon dioxide from breath.
The active ingredients in repellents make the person unattractive for feeding.
Repellents do not kill mosquitoes. Repellents are effective only at short
distances from the treated surface, so you may still see mosquitoes flying
nearby.
Active Ingredients (Types of Insect Repellent)
Q. Which mosquito
repellents work best?
A. CDC recommends using products that have
been shown to work in scientific trials and that contain active ingredients
which have been registered with the US
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use as insect repellents on skin
or clothing. When EPA registers a repellent, they evaluate the product for
efficacy and potential effects on human beings and the environment. EPA
registration means that EPA does not expect a product, when used according to
the instructions on the label, to cause unreasonable adverse effects to human
health or the environment.
Of the active ingredients registered with the EPA, CDC believes that two have
demonstrated a higher degree of efficacy in the peer-reviewed, scientific
literature (See Publications
page.). Products containing these active ingredients typically provide
longer-lasting protection than others:
• DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide)
• Picaridin (KBR 3023)
Oil of lemon eucalyptus [active ingredient: p-menthane 3,8-diol (PMD)], a plant- based repellent, is also registered with EPA. In two recent scientific publications, when oil of lemon eucalyptus was tested against mosquitoes found in the US it provided protection similar to repellents with low concentrations of DEET.
Q. How does the
percentage of active ingredient in a product relate to the amount of protection
it gives?
A. Typically, the more active ingredient a
product contains the longer it provides protection from mosquito bites. The
concentration of different active ingredients cannot be directly compared (that
is, 10% concentration of one product doesn’t mean it works exactly the same as
10% concentration of another product.)
DEET is an effective active ingredient found in many repellent products and in a variety of formulations. Based on a 2002 study (Fradin and Day, 2002. See Publications page.):
• A product containing 23.8% DEET
provided an average of 5 hours of protection from mosquito bites.
• A product containing 20% DEET provided almost 4 hours of protection
• A product with 6.65% DEET provided almost 2 hours of protection
• Products with 4.75% DEET were both able to provide roughly 1 and a half hour
of protection.
These examples represent results from only one study and are only included to provide a general idea of how such products may work. Actual protection will vary widely based on conditions such as temperature, perspiration, and water exposure.
Choose a repellent that provides protection for the amount of time that you will be outdoors. A product with a higher percentage of active ingredient is a good choice if you will be outdoors for several hours while a product with a lower concentration can be used if time outdoors will be limited. Simply re-apply repellent (following label instructions) if you are outdoors for a longer time than expected and start to be bitten by mosquitoes.
Q. Why does CDC
recommend certain types of insect repellent?
A. CDC recommends products containing active
ingredients which have been registered with US
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use as insect repellents on skin
or clothing.
All of the EPA-registered active ingredients have demonstrated repellency
however some provide more longerlasting protection than others. Additional
research reviewed by CDC suggests that repellents containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide)
or picaridin (KBR 3023) typically provide longer-lasting protection than the
other products and oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane-3,8-diol) provides longer
lasting protection than other plant-based repellents. Permethrin is another
long-lasting repellent that is intended for application to clothing and gear,
but not directly to skin. In general, the more active ingredient (higher
concentration) a repellent contains, the longer time it protects against
mosquito bites.
People who are concerned about using repellents may wish to consult their health care provider for advice. The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) can also provide information through a toll-free number, 1-800-858-7378 or npic.orst.edu
Q. How can you know
which active ingredient a product contains?
A. Check the product label if you have
questions-–repellents must specify their active ingredients. In some cases you
will note the chemical name in addition to/instead of the “common” name:
• DEET is N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide
• Picaridin is KBR 3023, sometimes known as “Bayrepel” outside the US
• The active ingredient in oil of lemon eucalyptus is p-menthane 3,8-diol (PMD)
Q. What is permethrin?
A. Certain products which contain permethrin are recommended for use on
clothing, shoes, bed nets, and camping gear, and are registered with EPA for
this use. Permethrin is highly effective as an insecticide and as a repellent.
Permethrin-treated clothing repels and kills ticks, mosquitoes, and other
arthropods and retains this effect after repeated laundering. The permethrin
insecticide should be reapplied following the label instructions. Some
commercial products are available pretreated with permethrin.
Q. Where can I find
these repellents?
A. Most of these repellents are sold at
multiple retail, discount and drug stores. A wider selection may be available at
“outdoor” stores or in hunting and camping sections. At this time picaridin
is not yet registered with the state pesticide programs in NY and CA, and thus
is not available in those areas.
Q. Where can I find
more information about picaridin?
A. An technical
fact sheet covering picaridin is available from EPA (http://www.epa.gov/opprd001/factsheets/picaridin.pdf)
Q. What are some
general considerations to remember when using insect repellents?
A. Always follow the recommendations
appearing on the product label.
• Use enough repellent to cover exposed skin or clothing. Don't apply
repellent to skin that is under clothing. Heavy application is not necessary to
achieve protection.
• Do not apply repellent to cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
• After returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water. (This may
vary depending on the product. Check the label.)
• Do not spray aerosol or pump products in enclosed areas.
• Do not spray aerosol or pump products directly to your face. Spray your
hands and then rub them carefully over the face, avoiding eyes and mouth.
Q. What are some
reactions to be aware of when using insect repellents?
A. Use of repellents products may cause skin
reactions in rare cases. Most products also note that eye irritation can occur
if product gets in the eye. If you suspect a reaction to a product, discontinue
use, wash the treated skin, and call a poison control center. If product gets in
the eyes flush with water and consult health care provider or poison control
center. If you go to a doctor, take the product with you.
There is a national number to reach a Poison Control Center near you: 1-800-222-1222.
Q. Can insect
repellents be used on children?
A. Repellent products must state any age
restriction. If there is none, EPA has not required a restriction on the use of
the product.
According to the label, oil of lemon eucalyptus products should NOT be used on CHILDREN UNDER 3 YEARS.
In addition to EPA’s decisions
about use of products on children, many consumers also look to the opinion of
the American
Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The AAP does have an opinion on the use of DEET
in children (see below). AAP has not yet issued specific recommendations or
opinion concerning the use of picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus for children.
CDC will post a link to such information from the Academy when/if it becomes
available.
Since it is the most widely available repellent, many people ask about the use
of products containing DEET on children. No definitive studies exist in the
scientific literature about what concentration of DEET is safe for children. No
serious illness has been linked to the use of DEET in children when used
according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Committee on Environmental Health has updated their recommendation for use of DEET products on children in 2003, citing: "Insect repellents containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide, also known as N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide) with a concentration of 10% appear to be as safe as products with a concentration of 30% when used according to the directions on the product labels." AAP recommends that repellents with DEET should not be used on infants less than 2 months old.
Parents should choose the type and concentration of repellent to be used by taking into account the amount of time that a child will be outdoors, exposure to mosquitoes, and the risk of mosquito-transmitted disease in the area.
If you are concerned about using repellent products on children you may wish to consult a health care provider for advice or contact the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) through their toll-free number, 1-800-858-7378 or npic.orst.edu
Q. What guidelines are
available for using a repellent on children?
A. Always follow the recommendations
appearing on the product label when using repellent:
• When using repellent on a child, apply it to your own hands and then rub
them on your child. Avoid children's eyes and mouth and use it sparingly around
their ears.
• Do not apply repellent to children's hands. (Children may tend to put their
hands in their mouths.)
• Do not allow young children to apply insect repellent to themselves; have an
adult do it for them.
• Keep repellents out of reach of children.
• Do not apply repellent under clothing. If repellent is applied to clothing,
wash treated clothing before wearing again. (May vary by product, check label
for specific instructions.)
Q. How else can I
protect children from mosquito bites?
A. Using repellents on the skin is not the
only way to avoid mosquito bites. Children (and adults) can wear clothing with
long pants and long sleeves while outdoors. DEET or other repellents such as
permethrin can also be applied to clothing (but is not registered for use on
skin), as mosquitoes may bite through thin fabric.
Mosquito netting can be used over infant carriers.
Finally, it may be possible to reduce the number of mosquitoes in the area by getting rid of containers with standing water that provide breeding places for mosquitoes.
Q. Can insect
repellents be used by pregnant or nursing women?
A. Other than the routine precautions noted
earlier, EPA does not recommend any additional precautions for using registered
repellents on pregnant or lactating women. Consult your health care provider if
you have questions.
Insect Repellents containing DEET and Sunscreen
Q. Can I use an insect
repellent and a product containing sunscreen at the same time? What are the
recomendations for combination sunscreen/insect repellent products ?
A. Yes. People can, and should, use both a
sunscreen and an insect repellent when they are outdoors. Follow the
instructions on the package for proper application of each product. In general,
the recommendation is to apply sunscreen first, followed by repellent.
It is recommended NOT to use a single product that combines insect repellent containing DEET and sunscreen, because the instructions for use of insect repellents and use of sunscreen are different. In most situations, insect repellent does not need to be reapplied as frequently as sunscreen. While no recommendations are available at this time regarding products that combine other active ingredients and sunscreen, it is important to always follow the label on whatever product you are using.
To protect from sun exposure and insect bites, you can also wear long sleeves and long pants. You can also apply insect repellent to your clothing, rather than directly to your skin.
Q. Where can I get more
information about repellents?
A. For more information about using
repellents, please consult the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) Web site or consult the National Pesticide
Information Center (NPIC), which is cooperatively sponsored by Oregon State
University and the U.S. EPA. NPIC can be reached at: npic.orst.edu
or 1-800-858-7378
INFO FROM Consumer Specialty Products Association 202-872-8110
For Immediate Release Contact: Judi Anderson
August 9, 2002 215-504-2035
judi@kroegerpr.com
Basic Facts About DEET and DEET-Based Insect Repellents
As U.S. news media continue reporting on the spread of West Nile virus, including frequent official recommendations that residents in affected areas use insect repellents containing DEET, the following facts are offered for journalists’ use. We can suggest knowledgeable scientists and health care professionals for interviews. Additional information for journalists and consumers, including an educational brochure that provides tips for insect protection, is available at www.deetonline.org and by telephoning 1-888-NO BITES (888-662-4837).
· DEET is the common name for N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide, which is the active ingredient in the most widely used insect repellents applied to the skin.
· DEET-based products are marketed worldwide in a variety of concentrations and forms designed to protect consumers from biting insects and ticks, and the serious diseases they can carry.
· In carefully controlled independent tests using mosquitoes and human subjects, as reported in the July 4, 2002, edition of the New England Journal of Medicine (www.nejm.org), insect repellents containing DEET provided complete protection from bites for longer periods than other widely used repellent products. The researchers tested four consumer products containing DEET and 12 other repellent products. According to the study, “Only products containing DEET are dependable for long-lasting protection after a single application.”
· All DEET-based products are carefully evaluated and registered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency before they are marketed in this country. The EPA has determined that the use of currently registered products containing
DEET, when label directions are followed, which includes all concentrations, will not pose unreasonable risks or adverse effects to humans.
· DEET disrupts the ability of biting insects to detect the source of carbon dioxide—the gas naturally given off by our skin and in our breath— which is what attracts mosquitoes and other insects to us. Insects aren’t killed—they just can’t locate their prey for a period of hours.
· The World Health Organization, U.S. Army and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are among the many organizations that recommend using
DEET-based repellents in affected areas.
· DEET is used by approximately 30 percent of Americans annually, averaging seven to eight applications per person. This results in more than 400 million applications of DEET annually.
· The most commonly reported adverse events, which happen rarely, are skin rashes in a very small percentage of the population. These resolve quickly when the product is washed from the skin. There is no relationship between the concentration of DEET in a product and the incidence of skin rash.
· No other personal insect repellent has been tested as rigorously and extensively as DEET for effective consumer use.
· No direct link between DEET and significant health symptoms has ever been scientifically established from the proper use of DEET repellent products.
APPLICATION INFORMATION
· Always follow labeling instructions.
· Reapply when mosquitoes begin to be troublesome again.
· Do not soak clothing or bedding in DEET-based repellents.
· DEET products are available in a variety of concentrations. The more DEET in the product, the longer lasting the protection.
· The EPA has noted that individuals of all ages (age 2 and up) can use
DEET-based repellents with confidence in any concentration so long as label directions are followed. While the American Academy of Pediatrics has indicated that concentrations lower than 10% are preferable for children, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that this lower concentration is needed. DEET products today are intended for all family members over the age of 2.
· Parents should apply DEET-based repellents to younger children (rather than allow them to do it themselves). It is advisable to put a small amount of
DEET-based repellent on the parent’s hands then rub the hands on the face of the child (Never spray DEET onto anyone’s face; it can cause eye irritation).
· DEET-based repellents should be applied to exposed, unbroken skin. These repellents are not needed underneath clothing.
· Do not apply DEET-based repellents to the parts of a very young child’s hands that might end up in the mouth or rubbed on eyes
Important to Note
· DEET is a personal insect repellent, designed for human use.
· DEET does not kill mosquitoes; it simply repels them. According to one expert, "They go into 'time out' for about three hours."
· Pesticide products designed to kill mosquitoes and other insects should NEVER be applied to humans.
The Consumer Specialty Products Association (www.cspa.org) represents the interests of the consumer specialty products industry, which provides households, institutions and industrial customers with products that help provide a cleaner and healthier environment.
