This article discusses the harmful effects from breathing in or swallowing "Mosquito Repellent" spray.

Introduction

Aerosols or “FLIT” as we call it here in Nigeria is the medium of choice to control mosquitoes. However, one undisclosed constituent in ALL aerosols and coils (insect repellents) sold in Nigeria contain N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide, abbreviated DEET, a slightly yellow oil. It is the most common active ingredient in insect repellents. It is intended to be applied to the skin or to clothing, and is primarily used to repel mosquitoes.
N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET) is an insect repellent used in households/domestic dwellings, on the human body and clothing being worn, on cats, dogs, horses and pet living/sleeping quarters. There are no food uses.

Application

It is used to control biting flies, biting midges, black flies, chiggers, deer flies, fleas, gnats, horse flies, mosquitoes, sand flies, small flying insects, table flies, and ticks. Formulations include liquids, pressurized liquids, ready-to- use formulations and impregnated material. DEET is applied by aerosol can, by hand, non-aerosol pump sprayer, package applicator, and pump spray bottle.
DEET was historically believed to work by blocking insect olfactory receptors for 1-octen-3-ol, a volatile substance that is contained in human sweat and breath. The prevailing theory was that DEET effectively "blinds" the insect's senses so that the biting/feeding instinct is not triggered by humans or other animals which produce these chemicals. DEET does not appear to affect the insect's ability to smell carbon dioxide, as had been suspected earlier.


Contra-Indications


Although DEET is an effective solvent, and may dissolve some plastics, rayon, spandex, other synthetic fabrics, leather, and painted or varnished surfaces including nail polish. To be really really honest, DEET is a human killer.
Even the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) in America, states: ", it does appear that some death cases are likely related to DEET toxicity".
Citing human health reasons, HEALTH CANADA barred the sale of insect repellents for human use that contained more than 30% DEET in a 2002 re-evaluation.
Recently, DEET has been found to inhibit the activity of a central nervous system enzyme, acetylcholinesterase, in both insects and mammals. This enzyme is involved in the hydrolysis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, thus playing a role in the function of the neurons which control muscles. Because of this property, many insecticides are used to block acetylcholinesterase, which leads to an excessive accumulation of acetylcholine at the synaptic cleft, causing neuromuscular paralysis and death by asphyxiation. DEET is commonly used in combination with insecticides and has the capacity to strengthen the toxicity of carbamates, a class of insecticides known to block acetylcholinesterase. These findings bring evidence that, besides having known toxic effects on the olfactory system, DEET also acts on the brain of insects, and that its toxicity is strengthened in combination with other insecticides.

When small amounts of DEET are swallowed by mouth, symptoms may include moderate-to-severe stomach irritation, Nausea, Vomiting. Low blood pressure hypotension) and low heart rates (bradycardia) may occur if a large amount is swallowed. Other symptoms include disorientation, clumsiness when walking, seizures, or coma. Death is possible in these cases.

BEWARE!!!! It has been researched that Nigerian aerosols use up to 99% inert materials. The manufacturers should tell us what it they are. There is an excellent guess they are DEET.

For at-a-glance information, the activist group Beyond Pesticides keeps its own list of documented DEET health and environmental effects:

* Neurotoxicity: Yes
* Kidney/Liver Damage: Yes
* Sensitizer/Irritant: Yes
* Birth/Developmental Defects: Yes
* Potential Leacher: Yes

The Product Labeling Required in America for all products containing DEET state that:
1. All products must incorporate a series of 14 statements informing the consumer on the method of application, special precautions for children, and directions for medical attention.
2. For aerosol and pump spray formulations: labels must direct the consumer not to spray in enclosed areas, avoid direct spraying on the face and must be packaged in containers which will ensure the product will not be inadvertently sprayed in the eyes.
3. Other labeling requirements include: specifying percent active ingredient in terms of DEET; use of the term “first aid”; addition of a toll-free number for consumer support; requirement to use permanent labels; all cosmetic claims must be less prominent that the term “Insect repellent”; and all direct or
indirect claims of child safety must be removed.