What’s up with bug spray?

Is Bug Spray Toxic?

This is a question that floats through my mind every time that I grab the spray bottle and spritz myself from head to toe, literally. There are so many statements that fly around when it comes to bug spray- shower after use, do not spray it on your face, avoid DEET. What is the recommendation to consider when dodging mosquitos and the viruses that come along with them? Protect Our Breasts is here with what is known and not yet known.

DEET’s chemical name is N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide. DEET works by masking the human scent, so bugs cannot detect a person by smell and thus are deterred from biting someone. DEET was developed by the US Army in 1946 and was marketed as an insect repellent for the general public in 1957.

The Environmental Protection Agency completed an interim review of DEET to ensure that it meets safety standards with current scientific data. The EPA determined that no additional data was required at that time and no changes to labeling or registration was needed. However, a Final Decision on the DEET registration review case will occur only after the EPA has completed an Endocrine Disruptor Screening under FFDCA section 408(p).

While there is still question regarding the safety of DEET, Protect Our Breasts encourages wearing long pants and long sleeves to minimize the skin’s exposure to mosquitos. If you must use a repellent to avoid virus-carrying mosquitoes, limit exposure to DEET by choosing insect repellants that contain the smallest possible amount; as some contain up to 100% concentration. We also recommend looking at products that the GoodGuide has scored based on ingredients and toxins at https://goo.gl/na8Z9D. Lastly, make sure that you shower after using DEET and avoid applying it near or on your eyes, mouth, and ears.

Oil from the lemon eucalyptus tree is also an insect repellent and can be found in your local grocery store. These days, your natural products stores carry a variety of essential oil-based products that may be a safer alternative!