Why use DEET-Free Mosquito and Insect Repellent

When you’re spending time outside, you’ll be exposed to mosquitoes and other insects. Repellents exist to keep these pesky pests away, but many of the chemicals used in modern repellents have been linked to health risks. That’s why it’s important to use DEET-free mosquito repellent. Here’s everything you need to know about DEET and DEET-free repellents.

Protection from Mosquito-Borne Diseases

DEET is a neurotoxin. A study found that people who spent long periods in treated areas were more likely to have impaired memory. This could be because DEET doesn’t just repel mosquitoes — it also interrupts the nervous system. People with certain conditions like ADHD, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease are especially susceptible to the harmful effects of neurotoxins.

Protects the Environment

DEET is a neurotoxin, and it breaks down into CO2 and water. If used improperly, it can be absorbed by plants and trees. It’s hard to know the full impact DEET has on the environment, but the EPA has acknowledged that it has the potential to contaminate soil and water.

DEET-Free Protection is Safer

This is one of the most important reasons to switch to DEET-free protection. Traces of DEET can be found in our bodies, particularly in our sweat.

Surprisingly, some areas of our bodies hold higher concentrations of this toxin. The toxic levels of DEET are low and are considered “negligible.”

What’s more concerning is that DEET can be transferred from our skin to our hands and mouths. It’s not uncommon for people to accidentally swallow DEET while applying it.

Avoid Skin Irritation

There’s been a major shift away from using oils as repellents. Oils like coconut oil and citronella were frequently used in DEET-containing products. While these oils are effective at repelling mosquitoes, they’re also capable of causing harm.

An alarming side effect of oils is their potential to cause skin irritation. Most people aren’t aware of how repellents can inadvertently cause this red, itchy skin rash. What’s more, people with sensitive skin are at risk of irritation.

DEET-Free Protection is Effective

This is one of the most important reasons to switch to DEET-free protection. DEET needs to be applied to the body. When this chemical touches our skin, it can sometimes be absorbed. It’s not uncommon for people to accidentally swallow DEET while applying it.

This is especially concerning for children, as they have a lower threshold of absorbability. Studies have shown that DEET can negatively impact cognitive development in children.

Tips for using DEET-Free Protection

– If you’re spending time in areas regularly treated with DEET, consider wearing DEET-free protection.

– Check the label on the product to see if it’s DEET-free.

– Wash your hands with soap immediately after touching plants and ID’d flowers to remove any unwanted residues.

– If you plan to spend time in areas regularly treated with DEET, consider wearing DEET-free protection.

– Check the label on the product to see if it’s a DEET free mosquito repellent.