Is Insect Repellent Safe for your Family?

We all dislike to be bitten by mosquitoes. But what do you do to prevent your children being attacked by the mosquitoes/insects?
Do you use insect repellent?
If you do, you should be aware that insect repellent is poisonous! 


Poisonous Ingredient
At present, DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) is used in more than 230 products with concentrations up to 100 percent.
Most bug repellents contain DEET as their active ingredient. DEET is one of the few insect repellents that work. It is recommended to prevent mosquito-born diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and West Nile virus.

Other less effective forms of bug sprays contain pyrethrins. Pyrethrins are a pesticide created from the chrysanthemum flower. It is generally considered nontoxic, but it can cause breathing problems if you breathe in large amounts.

NEVER use insect repellent containing DEET on infants.
Where Found
Bug sprays (insect repellents) are sold under various brand names.

Symptoms For pyrethrins:

-Breathing difficulty
-Coughing
-Loss of alertness due to imbalance in oxygen level
-Tremors (if a large amount is swallowed)
-Seizures (if a large amount is swallowed)
-Upset stomach
-Vomiting

For DEET:
Persons applying DEET to their skin may get hives or have mild redness and irritation. These symptoms are usually mild and will go away when the product is removed from the skin.

Persons who use very high concentrations of DEET on their skin over a long period of time (such as military personnel or game wardens) may have more severe skin reactions that include blistering, burning, and permanent scars of the skin. Other symptoms associated with long-term use of high amounts of DEET (over 50% concentration) include insomnia and mood changes.

DEET should be used with caution due to its possible damaging effects on brain cells. Studies have shown that DEET causes brain cell death and behavioral changes in rats after frequent and prolonged use. This exposure causes neurons to die in regions of the brain that control muscle movement, learning, memory, and concentration. Rats treated with an average human dose of DEET (40 mg/kg body weight) performed far worse when challenged with physical tasks requiring muscle control, strength and coordination. These findings are consistent with reported human symptoms following DEET's use by the military in the Persian Gulf War.

With heavy exposure to DEET and other insecticides, humans may experience memory loss, headache, weakness, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, tremors and shortness of breath. These symptoms may not be evident until months or even years after exposure. 

The most severe damage occurs when DEET is used concurrently with other insecticides, such as permethrin, for prolonged and frequent periods of time. At this time, there is little information about the short-term, singular and occasional use of DEET. Further government testing of the chemical's safety is necessary. However, frequent and long-term use of DEET, especially in combination with other chemicals or medications, could cause brain deficits in vulnerable populations, particularly children.

Until further studies are done, it is important to be cautious when using this insecticide:

If DEET is unintentionally sprayed into the eyes, nose, or mouth, you may feel a temporary burning sensation and have redness. Washing the area will usually make the symptoms go away. Burns to the eye may require medication.

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.

By far, the most serious and devastating complication of large DEET poisonings is neurological damage. Patients may have disorientation, clumsiness when walking, seizures, or coma. Death is possible in these cases.

DEET is especially dangerous for small children. Seizures may occur in small children who are consistently exposed to DEET on their skin for long periods of time. Care should be taken to only apply lower concentrations of DEET to children for short periods of time. Products containing DEET probably should not be used on infants.

Why would you want to put chemical laden bug spray on your skin when there is a natural chemical free alternative for you and your family? 

Try TerraShield Essential Oil, the best natural insect repellent without any side effects! 

TerraShield (15ml) RM52