What’s worse than Bugs!
What’s worse than Bugs!
Let’s face it, no one likes mosquitoes. Their bites itch and that sound they make is just so annoying. But what’s worse, suffering through a few bug bites or having to deal with headaches, confusion, drowsiness, muscle pain, and nausea? The use of DEET, the most common active ingredient in most insect repellents,has always been controversial, but new studies are showing that DEET isn’t all that safe. Because the side effects of DEET can take months or even years to manifest, few people realize what could be the cause of common ailments. Why have previous studies not shown the harmful effects of DEET? Previous studies on the effects of DEET have only been short term. They studied the effects for only a few days after DEET was administered.
New studies have been testing the effect of DEET on lab rats, and the studies have lasted for months. Dr. Mohamed Abou-Donia, who has studied the effects of pesticides on the brain, says that frequent application of DEET can causes neurons to die in certain parts of the brain. The areas of the brain most affected by this toxin are the regions that control muscle movement, learning, memory, and concentration. Also, in both animal and human cells, DEET has been seen to damage the DNA.
Let’s face it, no one likes mosquitoes. Their bites itch and that sound they make is just so annoying. But what’s worse, suffering through a few bug bites or having to deal with headaches, confusion, drowsiness, muscle pain, and nausea? The use of DEET, the most common active ingredient in most insect repellents,has always been controversial, but new studies are showing that DEET isn’t all that safe. Because the side effects of DEET can take months or even years to manifest, few people realize what could be the cause of common ailments. Why have previous studies not shown the harmful effects of DEET? Previous studies on the effects of DEET have only been short term. They studied the effects for only a few days after DEET was administered.
New studies have been testing the effect of DEET on lab rats, and the studies have lasted for months. Dr. Mohamed Abou-Donia, who has studied the effects of pesticides on the brain, says that frequent application of DEET can causes neurons to die in certain parts of the brain. The areas of the brain most affected by this toxin are the regions that control muscle movement, learning, memory, and concentration. Also, in both animal and human cells, DEET has been seen to damage the DNA.
What are the effects of DEET? The effects of DEET don’t usually appear right away. Sometimes they can take months or years to appear. However, DEET toxicity can have some very serious side effects. Besides headaches, fatigue, and nausea, DEET toxicity can result in tremors, muscle spasms, seizures, and coma. DEET also has the ability to cause genetic damage and mutations, leading to cancer and other problems later in life. Several cases of toxic encephalopathy, any disease of the brain that alters the brain’s function or structure, have also been reported in children after using DEET.
How can DEET enter my body? DEET can enter your body the same way any other toxin can; absorption through the skin, inhalation, or ingestion. The most common way is absorption, since most people apply the toxin directly to their skin. However, once the skin absorbs it, DEET can also be absorbed by some of the main organs, causing internal damage. Using DEET has also led to environmental concerns. The chemical has shown to have a destructive effect on animal wildlife and water sources. It is now estimated that over seventy-five percent of the world’s water
sources are contaminated with DEET. Everyday, animals, plants, and humans drink this water, consuming more and more of this chemical. Birds and fish are even more susceptible to DEET than mammals are. Help yourself and the environment by choosing bug sprays other than those that contain DEET. You many not feel the effects yet, but why put yourself or loved ones at risk. DEET is a toxin, and why would you want to be even slightly poisoned?
sources are contaminated with DEET. Everyday, animals, plants, and humans drink this water, consuming more and more of this chemical. Birds and fish are even more susceptible to DEET than mammals are. Help yourself and the environment by choosing bug sprays other than those that contain DEET. You many not feel the effects yet, but why put yourself or loved ones at risk. DEET is a toxin, and why would you want to be even slightly poisoned?
Safer Alternatives Include: Citronella Oil, Lemon Eucalyptus Oil, Cinnamon Oil, Castor Oil,
Rosemary Oil, Lemongrass Oil, Cedar Oil, Peppermint Oil, Clove Oil, and Geranium Oil
Possibly Oils from Verbena, Pennyroyal, Lavender, Pine, Cajeput, Basil, Thyme, Allspice, Soybean,
and Garlic Another plant-derived substance, pyrethrum, is an insecticide. Pyrethrum comes from the flowers of the daisy Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium.
Rosemary Oil, Lemongrass Oil, Cedar Oil, Peppermint Oil, Clove Oil, and Geranium Oil
Possibly Oils from Verbena, Pennyroyal, Lavender, Pine, Cajeput, Basil, Thyme, Allspice, Soybean,
and Garlic Another plant-derived substance, pyrethrum, is an insecticide. Pyrethrum comes from the flowers of the daisy Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium.
