Since the invasion of West Nile virus and other diseases that are carried by biting insects we
have heard a LOT about using products that have DEET in them. How safe is DEET for use
on human skin, and will it damage other products we use?

A short search in the net found the following information.

"DEET is a chemical solvent and plastizer...it causes rapid deterioration of plastics...builds up
readily in small bodies, especially during summer (when) heat causes pores to open more
readily." DEET is capable of damaging plastic eye glasses frames, watch crystals, synthetic
fabrics, leather, painted or varnished surfaces.

DEET repellents are not totally safe, and pose the greatest risk for children especially with
repeated usage. According to Marion Moses, MD, founder of the Pesticide Education Center,
San Francisco, CA, DEET is very toxic to the brain and nervous system. It can cause headache,
tremor, weakness, paralysis, slurred speech, emotional / behavior changes, seizures and death in
rare instances. More common symptoms may be skin rash, blistering, or allergic reaction.2

I found the above information at http://www.cacinfo.org/DEET.html

I first suspected problems with Deet due to comments on discussion boards. I then
did some research on the net and found that not only is DEET a solvent and plasticizer, but it
also is actually toxic.

Deet products come in concentrations ranging from 4% to 100%. Obviously if you are going to
use deet the higher the concentration of DEET in the product the more likely it is to damage
glasses, electronics screens, and YOU!

Why take the chance? IF you can get the same protection without DEET, then why not get it.
There are quite a few good products out there that will repel mosquito's without the use of Deet.
I like to plant Marigolds around the house to repel mosquitos. Marigolds have a natural repellent
in them that keeps mosquito's away. I plant them in all of my planters on the porches. While this is
not a cure all it does help. Do a simple search on Google for Natural Repellents or for Non-Deet
insect repellants.

Jim Dicken

Editor Fishin.com