DEET

Most of the conventional insect repellents sold today contain the chemical DEET (N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide). Though government agencies like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Academy of Pediatrics state that DEET is safe if used properly, other academic studies indicate that exposure to DEET can cause nausea, psychological problems, dizziness, rashes and headache along with other symptoms.

Most of the reported problems with DEET are reported by people who applied DEET regularly for a period of five days or longer. While wearing an insect repellent with DEET may be necessary if you are traveling through areas with high risks for insect-borne disease, for most regular outings, a more natural bug repellent will probably be sufficient enough. Everyone has different results, but many have found that natural insect repellents are just as effective as those with synthetic ingredients like DEET.

Environmentally, DEET has been shown to have negative impacts on widlife and water sources. It is regularly found in about 75% of U.S. water sources. Though DEET is relatiely non-toxic to small mammals, it is considered highly toxic to aquatic life and birds.

DEET has long been associated with environmental hazards, and thenn with neurological impacts on humans. More recently, lemon eucalyptus and picaridin have gained approval of both the CDC and EPA as an effective , natural alternative to conventional insect repellents.

Permethrin

Permethrin is highly toxic to both freshwater and estuarine aquatic organisms. While the EPA has classified permethrin as “likely to be carcinogenic”, the agency still lists the chemical as falling below its LOC (level of concern) for normal usage, and as found in the environment. Clearly there are better alternatives which are non-carcinogenic altogether.

Permethrin-Treated Clothing

Several outdoor clothing manufacturers sell clothing that has been treated with permethrin. This is typically a synthetic version of pyrethrin which is found in chrysanthemums. The permethrin in treated clothing is released into the air and onto the skin, where it can be absorbed into the body.

Resources:

EPA Permethrin Facts: http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/REDs/factsheets/permethrin_fs.htm

EPA DEET Facts: http://www.epa.gov/opp00001/factsheets/chemicals/deet.htm

CDC Insect Repellent Facts: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/repellentupdates.htm