For decades, DEET has been the most popular active ingredient in insect repellents. This article from Scientific American offers some interesting insights into reasons why you may want to look for some alternatives.

Fully 25% of the subjects tested experienced negative health effects that have been linked to the use of DEET (diethyltoluamide). It goes on to suggest that DEET can cause diffuse brain cell death and behavioral changes in adults.

It can also cause rashes and skin irritation, numb or burning lips, nausea, dizziness and difficulties with concentration. So the ingredient that scares off mosquitoes should scare off humans, as well. There are some new alternatives that are virtually risk-free.

The risks to children, as you might imagine, are even greater.

Quantum Health tells us here to be wary of using DEET on children and NEVER use it on infants. Children are more susceptible to subtle brain changes because their skin is more absorbent and their developing nervous systems have a higher potential for harm.

Did you hear the story of a group of young teenage friends driving around looking for Volkswagen “bugs” and spraying them with repellent? Just good fun, huh? Not so fast. As a result of inhaling the repellent, one of the backseat passengers was vomiting for nearly a week and eventually had to be taken to the emergency room for treatment. So avoiding use AND any access is the best precautions you can take.

There are, as I said, new alternatives to DEET that have been proven highly effective. My Company has developed and manufactures a completely natural insect repellent using essential oils. The dangers of DEET exist whether absorbed through the skin or through inhalation. When there are effective alternatives available, does it really make sense to expose yourself and your family to the dangers that DEET threatens?