To DEET or not to DEET

The city is preparing to begin spraying against mosquitoes. More people are spending time outdoors. It's the time of year when people turn to Diethyl-meta-toluamide, otherwise known as DEET.

Despite its popularity and repeated calls by experts to use repellants with DEET to prevent bites, many are concerned about its safety. Some attribute eight deaths to the chemical since 1961—including three from ingestion and three children who reportedly succumbed to over-application.

Veronica Phelps owner of KISST Organics said,

“Anytime you're putting something on your skin, it is absorbed through the skin and into your internal organs,” cautioned Veronica Phelps, owner of KISST Organics. “It is absorbed and can have negative effects, particularly on your liver because your liver is your first line of defense.”

People who have contracted Hepatitis B or C have a higher risk of liver damage from DEET.

The chemical is known to cause occasional skin irritation and rashes, sometime with large blisters. The liver can be hardest hit by DEET because of its function of filtering out toxins.

The West Nile virus, which is transmitted by mosquito bites, has increased demand for repellants containing the effective chemical. Yet some argue that natural remedies can be found at local stores that should not have such an adverse effect.

Amanda Craig owner of Simply Natural suggested anise oil, with a note of caution.

“You have to put it on with a carrier oil if your putting on your skin—grape seed oil, olive oil,” she said. “You have to have a carrier oil because it can burn your skin because the oil is so potent.”

Most experts point out that the best way to keep from being bitten by a mosquito is to wear long sleeves, long pants and remain indoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active. But this is not always possible.

“There are a lot of alternatives,” Phelps said. “I tell my family not to use DEET. The formula that I have developed is as good as Deep Woods Off. I don’t think the natural lines last as long but still will work for four to six hours.”

The Centers for Disease Control recommends oil of lemon eucalyptus as a natural alternative. This oil can mask carbon dioxide and lactic acid that attract mosquitos.