Spring is the season when mosquitoes and other insects are rampant. You don't want your children at home to be bitten by mosquitoes, but you also worry about the chemical smell of Deet mosquito repellent, and the addition of Deet (N, N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide) in mosquito repellents on the market may affect health. Serendipity House explains the negative impact of Deet on health, and recommends mosquito repellents that do not contain Deet, allowing you and your family to use them with peace of mind.
Up to 10% of mosquito repellents contain excessive amounts of Deet! What harm can Deet mosquito repellent do?
According to a survey conducted by the Consumer Council in June last year, up to 10% of mosquito repellents and products on the market in Hong Kong contain excessive amounts of Deet, with Deet concentrations exceeding 10%. This can damage the skin and cause contact dermatitis, especially for infants with delicate skin:
- Deet mosquito repellent may irritate children's skin and eyes, leading to symptoms such as skin sensitivity and stinging.
- Deet mosquito repellent may cause respiratory problems such as asthma in children, especially for those who already have respiratory problems.
- Long-term use of Deet mosquito repellent may have negative effects on the central nervous system, leading to problems such as lack of concentration and behavioral issues.
- Children who accidentally ingest Deet mosquito repellent may experience symptoms such as vomiting, headaches, dizziness, and confusion.
- Deet mosquito repellent has a certain level of pollution and toxicity to the environment. Long-term and excessive use can have a negative impact on the environment, causing contamination of water sources and soil.
Organic mosquito repellent products recommendations and usage tips:
- Read product labels: The American Academy of Pediatrics and Health Canada recommend that children use mosquito repellents with a Deet concentration of 10% or less to avoid allergic reactions or other side effects.
- Do not let children use it by themselves: Mosquito repellent should be kept out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion or eye and skin irritation.
- Use mosquito repellent correctly: Apply mosquito repellent to children in a well-ventilated outdoor area. Apply it to your own hands first to ensure that there is no allergic reaction before applying it to your child. Also, avoid contact with the mouth, eyes, and wounds.
- Switch to organic long-lasting mosquito repellent products: Buzz Away Insect Repellent Towelettes use plant extracts and do not contain DEET plasticizers or irritating chemicals. Herbal ingredients include geranium oil, lemongrass oil, coconut oil, and vitamin E. It not only effectively repels mosquitoes for up to 4 hours but also cares for you and your child's skin, making it a great mosquito repellent for home use.
- Use organic products to relieve mosquito bites: Children's skin is more delicate and may experience swelling and pain in addition to itching from mosquito bites. Immediately apply BRITTANIE'S THYME Organic Bug Bite Relief, which uses organic plant ingredients such as organic witch hazel, organic tea tree, and organic lavender essential oils. It not only helps repair the skin but is also suitable for minor cuts, burns, abrasions, mosquito bites, and bruises.