MedMinute: Use Caution When Using Insect Repellents Containing DEET
With the warnings about West Nile virus, many of us are using insect repellants to ward off mosquitoes and other warm-weather pests. But new studies show some popular repellents could carry dangers of their own
Friday, June 21, 2002
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Every year, approximately one-third of Americans use insect
repellents containing the insecticide DEET. Duke University Medical
Center pharmacologist Mohamed Abou-Donia has spent 30 years
researching the effects of pesticides. He has found that prolonged
exposure to DEET can impair functioning in parts of the
brain.Abou-Donia says rats given even small doses of DEET
for 60 days had a harder time accomplishing even the easiest tasks.
Abou-Donia says short-term exposure to DEET does not appear to be
harmful, but warns against using any product with more than a 30
percent concentration. Use as little of the product as you can, and
don't use a product containing DEET if you're taking any
medication.
