Insect Repellents with DEET for Kids
Have the recommendations on the use of insect repellents with DEET on kids changed? How do I protect my kids from getting bit by mosquitos and keep them safe? This is one of those ‘it depends on who you ask’ questions. If you visit deet.com, their section on ‘DEET and Children’ states that ‘the US EPA has determined that when label instructions are followed, all concentrations of DEET repellents can be used by people of all ages.’ As this site is maintained by one of the ‘world’s largest supplier of DEET’, it is easy to question their claim. Most people are more aware of the general recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics to limit the use of DEET containing products on kids to those that contain 10% or less DEET. So who is right? The EPA did state that ‘from the toxicological date reviewed by the Agency for DEET, and from DEET incident data, there appears to be no correlation between the percent active ingredient in the product and its safety.