Bug Repellant: Friend or Foe? Jaclyn Gilman Chemistry 112 December 15, 2001
A good repellant should be: Nontoxic Nonirritant Non-allergenic Harmless to clothing Have a non-offensive odor Easily applied Effective against multiple insects Offer protection for several hours under variable weather conditions
What is DEET? Chemical Name: diethyl-meta-toluamide 1954- United States Army 1957-Registered for use by the general public Consumers buy about $100 million worth of products that contain DEET
Chemical Structure: Formula: C12H17NO Group: Aromatic Ester Solubility: Insoluble in water; Soluble in alcohol, ether, and benzene Origin: Prepared from m-toluoyl chloride and diethylamine in benzene or ether
How Does DEET Work? May make skin repugnant to a bug DEET can jam the cells in the insects antennas that are sensitive to lactic acid
Advantages to DEET: DEET offers hours of protection Not greasy Dries rapidly Resistant to being washed off
Disadvantages to DEET: Can cause toxic effects 56% penetrates intact human skin 17% absorbed into bloodstream Children are most vulnerable to accidental misapplication
Harmful side effects of DEET: Rash Swelling Itching Eye-irritation Slurred Speech Confusion Seizures Headaches Disorientation Agitation Anxiety Behavioral Changes Abnormal movements Lethargy Coma
Precautions: Avoid application under clothing Avoid application near the eyes or mouth Do not use on cuts, irritated skin, or on people with chronic skin condition Wash treated skin and clothing Use sparingly on children in concentrations of no more than 10% and 34% for adults
Other Alternatives: All Natural Repellants such as Buzz Away, Nutrapel, and Avon’s Skin-so-Soft Skeeter-Defense Patch