The Issues With Deet
by Lauren Swigger
What is Deet?
Deet is the common name for the chemical: N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide. This chemical is commonly used in bug and insect-repellent products. The chemical works by blocking the insect’s ability to feed on humans by blocking the receptors that the insect uses to probe the skin. It does not stop insects from landing on humans, but it does stop them from biting. Deet is used in large doses to extend the protection time from bug bites.
Although Deet is commonly used in insect repellent products, it is a chemical that has harmful properties.
The Issues with Deet
Deet poses a lot of health risks and can cause skin irritation and rashes. It should not be used on sensitive skin or existing health concerns such as seizures, liver diseases, or respiratory issues. As well as the misuse of Deet products can cause further health problems.
Deet is harmful to young people and should not be used on children’s skin, clothes, or hands. It is not safe for children to encounter Deet.
Small quantities of Deet are absorbed through the skin after use, which makes Deet products unsafe for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Deet is very toxic for animals. Deet products should not be used on or around pets and pets should not encounter humans that have Deet products on their skin. If a pet licks a human with Deet-covered skin, it could make the animal very ill. Deet is also very toxic to the environment and deadly for wildlife. Deet contaminates water and air from Deet-covered skin as well as spraying the product. Once Deet encounters a body of water, it becomes very toxic to underwater life and ecosystems.
Deet insect repellents should only be applied once a day for proper use. The overuse of the product can cause further skin irritation and rashes if the chemical is left on the skin for longer than the intended use, especially with products with a larger volume of Deet.
It is harmful to textiles, fabrics, clothing, and gear. Deet is known to cause damage to clothing and travel gear. When a Deet-based product is sprayed on textiles, it will dissolve the fabric and leave permanent damage to textiles and fabrics.
How to Avoid Deet
TotalSTOP is a DEET-free insect repellent utilizing Icaridin as an active ingredient. Icaridin is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO), and the CDC, and is EPA-Registered. It provides long-lasting, 12-hour protection from all kinds of ticks and mosquitos and 10-hour protection from black flies.
TotalSTOP is perfect for the whole family including individuals with skin sensitivities, children that are 6+ months, pregnant, and nursing mothers!
TotalSTOP is available in spray & wipes. It is non-toxic, odourless & water-resistant with a non-greasy formula that lasts all-day
