When it comes to bugs (mosquitoes specifically), it can often seem like we are at their mercy. Not only can these tiny insects be extremely annoying, but their bite can be quite painful and in some cases, even dangerous. While mosquito-borne diseases like Dengue fever, malaria and yellow fever are most commonly associated with places such as Africa, as of 2001, Canada experienced its first case of the West Nile Virus. Since then, the virus is constantly being monitored and health officials are required to report any new cases. While the disease has been confirmed in almost every province now, as of July 5, according to Canada's Public Health Agency, there have been no new reported human cases in Canada this summer, although the risk period typically continues until late fall.
The most common method of mosquito control is DEET (diethyl-meta-toluamide). Classified as a pesticide by Health Canada, DEET is found in most insect repellents. This highly potent chemical is a member of the toluene family; chemicals typically used as organic solvents in rubber and plastic cements and paint removers. DEET was originally invented by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the mid 40's for use by the Army and subsequently became available for public use in 1957. Since then, DEET has been considered the most effective longest-lasting mosquito and black fly repellent on the market. While studies do show nothing works as well or as long as DEET when it comes to keeping mosquitoes at bay, the question concerned health professionals are asking is "at what cost"?
DEET's safety, although always in question by concerned researchers, only really came under fire (at least by the mainstream public) in 1995, when New York State boldly banned products containing more than 30 percent DEET following 44 public health studies clearly showing a growing number of health risks associated with the pesticide. Up until this point, DEET could be purchased in concentrations up to 100 percent. Around this time, the US military announced it would be replacing the standard issue 75 percent DEET product with one containing 33 percent or less. As well, a growing number of studies were released showing possible links between DEET and Gulf War Syndrome. One such study conducted by researchers at Duke University and published in Toxicological Sciences in 2001, stated exposure to DEET alone or in combination with other pesticides commonly used by overseas military personnel can cause severe neurological impairment.
A further study published in Experimental Neurology in 2001 states that when DEET is applied to the skin of rats it "leads to a diffuse neuronal cell death in the cerebral cortex, the hippocampal formation, and the cerebellum". In other words it causes brain cells to die. It further states this degeneration can lead to" physiological, pharmacological, and behavioral abnormalities, particularly motor deficits and learning and memory dysfunction".
Children seem to be the most susceptible to the effects of DEET. Since it was first introduced for public use, there have been many cases of toxic encephalopathy (brain disease) associated with the use of DEET in children. One such case was published in the New England Journal of Medicine and involved a 3.5 year old girl who began exhibiting shaking, slurred speech, uncontrollable crying, confusion and ataxia after her body, pajamas and bedding were sprayed with an insect repellent containing 15 percent DEET. Another study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal showed an 8-year-old girl developed seizures following repeated application of a common bug spray containing DEET.
Typically, children who are overexposed to DEET will exhibit agitation, weakness, disorientation, ataxia, seizures, coma and in some cases, death. According to statistics, in 1995, the National Poison Control Center in Washington, D.C. alone received over 6,700 reports of bug repellent exposure, two thirds of which were in children age six and under.
Despite growing evidence linking DEET to numerous health issues in children, Health Canada removed the existing guidelines that called for labeling clearly stating: "Do not use on infants or toddlers." The new guidelines now allow for sprays containing 10 percent or less DEET to be used on children as young as six months (30 percent for adults), although they do state to use DEET sparingly and not for prolonged periods of time. But even if you only use these products a few times a week, according to a study published in the Medical Sciences Bulletin, "Up to 56 percent of DEET applied topically penetrates intact human skin and 17 percent is absorbed into the bloodstream." The report further states that even several hours after applying bug spray, blood concentrations of about 3 mg/litre of DEET have been reported.
Currently, DEET is considered an "Unclassifiable Carcinogen" by the World Health Organization and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Common sense would suggest this alone should raise a red flag, yet products containing DEET are still readily available. In 1995, Prime Time Live ran an expose on the dangers of DEET reporting, "Insect repellents containing the chemical DEET are dangerous for human use, but political pressure from major chemical companies confounds attempts to regulate the dangerous ingredient."
The bottom line is that while there may be a legitimate threat of disease from insects such as mosquitoes, the bigger threat seems to be the recommended use of dangerous repellents. Studies show there are many natural alternatives to DEET. While they may not last as long and as such, you will need to apply them more frequently, they are safe and effective. Most health food stores carry a variety of these safer products. In the meantime, there are also things you can do to limit your exposure to mosquitoes.
Natural Bug Repellents
Remove all standing water sources (change birdbaths, wading pools etc. at least twice a week).
Lemon eucalyptus oil (70 percent cineole concentration) is shown to be as effective as 10-15 percent DEET in studies. Mix approximately 1-ounce jojoba oil, 3 ounces 190-proof grain alcohol and1 teaspoon lemon eucalyptus essential oil in a 4-ounce spray bottle. Do a skin test first to see how you will react and keep away from your eyes. Spray mixture on exposed skin and clothing before heading outside. You will need to reapply every few hours.
Citronella candles and sprays are effective but need to be reapplied frequently. You can also bathe with citronella soap.
When barbequing, toss a little sage or rosemary on the coals. The smell will repel mosquitoes.
Garlic is a natural mosquito repellent. Mix one part garlic juice with 5 parts water in a small spray bottle. Spray lightly on exposed skin. You can also hang strips of cotton soaked in the mixture in areas such as patios.
Neem oil contains sallanin, a compound known to repel mosquitoes. Two percent neem oil mixed in coconut oil can be applied to exposed skin as an effective mosquito repellent.
Any combination of 2 1/2 teaspoons basil, citronella, juniper, lemongrass, cedarwood, myrrh, pine, rose, geranium, palmarosa, cinnamon, peppermint, clove or rosemary essential oil mixed with 1 cup 190-proof grain alcohol can be effective. You will have to test to see what works best for you.
Plant marigolds and citronella around your yard. Bugs hate the smell.
Use safe, nontoxic pheromone-based mosquito traps.
Cynthia McMurray is a freelance
natural health writer. She has written numerous books for leading
health professionals and was the founder and publisher of a national
natural health magazine. She is currently writing in-depth health
manuals for a large international health and wellness company.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
