The Dangers of DEET Insect Repellents

It's the middle of summer, and you're gearing up for a hike in the bush. You know to put on sunscreen to protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays, but did you know that you should also be using insect repellent? Many people reach for products containing DEET without giving it a second thought, but they may want to reconsider. In this blog post, we'll explore the dangers of DEET and why you might want to find an alternative insect repellent for your next outdoor adventure.

DEET is a synthetic chemical that was originally developed by the United States Army in 1946 for use in tropical climates. It is now one of the most common active ingredients in insect repellents, but that doesn't mean it's safe. Studies have shown that DEET can have harmful effects on human health, including neurological damage and seizures. In fact, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified DEET as a "possible human carcinogen."

But DEET's dangers don't stop there. This chemical can also break down plastics, paint, rubber, varnish and synthetic clothing. That means if you're using a product containing DEET, it could damage your hiking gear or any other outdoor equipment you're using. And if you're using DEET-based insect repellent on your children? The CDC warns 'Do not allow children under 10 years of age to apply DEET repellent themselves' and 'Use no more than 30% DEET on a child.'

So what's the alternative? Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus products, such as NoBites have been shown to repel mosquitoes & insects just as much or even more effectively as DEET-based products. So next time you're planning an outdoor adventure, reach for an all-natural insect repellent and enjoy your time in nature without worrying about the dangers of DEET.

Conclusion:

Insect repellents containing DEET are widely used but can be dangerous to human health. If you're looking for a safer alternative, consider a product containing Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. These are just as effective at repelling mosquitoes while being much better for your health. So next time you head outdoors, ditch the DEET and choose NoBites all-natural 10 hour mosquito protection instead!