A comprehensive review of the health effects of insect repellents, particularly DEET is the focus of an article from the Journal of Pesticide Reform. Caroline Cox outlines the facts about DEET and its various effects on human health. A number of studies and experiments have proven that even with DEET’s superior protection against mosquitoes and other harmful insects, it can cause very disturbing damage to our health.

Here is a summary of what the journal article reveals:

• The National Pesticide Information Center states that “scientists are not completely sure how DEET repels biting insects”. DEET most likely enables insects to locate people and other animals.
• DEET is mainly used through skin application. However, once applied, it is absorbed through the skin and goes to different parts of the body. Absorption of DEET also happens in the intestines.
• Symptoms of DEET poisoning include eye and skin irritation or pain, vomiting, nausea, rashes, slurred speech and coughing. More serious symptoms include seizures, tremors and changes in heart rate.
• The pediatricians of Aghia Sophia Children’s Hospital (Greece) do not recommend DEET-based repellents to be used by children.
• A study from the Duke University Medical Center showed that there occurred a genetic damage (mutagenecity) after DEET and ethanol are applied to the skin of animals under study.
• Another study reveals that DEET mixed with ethanol causes oxidative stress that is associated with Alzheimer’s disease and rheumatoid arthritis.
• DEET caused fetal loss among pregnant laboratory animals exposed to it according to a report from World Health Organization (WHO). DEET can actually pass through the placenta and can directly damage fetal blood.
• DEET also caused damaging effects on the reproductive system of male hamsters according to studies sponsored by DEET manufacturers. Reduction in the size of testes and abnormal sperm and sperm with reduced ability to move” are among the problems linked to laboratoty animals’ exposure to DEET.
• The sensory and motor skills of laboratory animals also decreased as DEET with ethanol was applied to their skin.
• The article also cited DEET’s effects on normal function of the brain as shown by researchers from the Duke University Medical Center. The permeability of the parts of the blood-brain barrier is reduced by 25%, which is primarily responsible for acquiring molecules needed for the brain to function normally. DEET also kills brain cells. There are more dying nerve cells than living nerve cells in tested animals.
• When combined with other insecticides like permethrin and malathion, DEET has more potential to cause severe brain damage.
• Water contamination in streams in the US is also one concern. “DEET is a common water contaminant” (Cox, 2005:14).
• Birth defects among birds are said to be caused by DEET states WHO. One study shows that when DEET is applied on the membrane of chicken eggs, abnormalities in the circulatory, skeletal and central nervous systems occurred as the chicks develop.

Need we say more? These DEET-based products circulating for many years are a huge threat to human health and most people still use them!

It is evident, as concluded by several studies that DEET may have harmful and serious effects on our health.

That’s why GreenCow introduces its newest natural insect repellent, BGone!

GreenCow recommends the use of BGone Insect Repellent Spray, BGone Lotion and BGone Liquid Concentrate as alternative to your usual household insecticides.

BGone is the 5th Generation Neem Product offered by the GreenCow Company, Inc. Its main ingredients are andiroba oil and neem oil. Its safe use for both children and adults make B Gone your ideal weapon against insect bites. Prevent skin irritation, inflammation and skin diseases with the combined amazing properties of andiroba and neem in B Gone. Unlike DEET-based products in which too much exposure may lead to skin irritations and other serious health problems, B Gone is safe to apply as often as you want!

BGone is absolutely 100% NON-DEET!

Fight off dengue, malaria and other insect-borne diseases with the all-natural, all-organic BGone!

References:

Cox, C. (2005). DEET, Journal of Pesticide Reform/Fall 2005, Vol. 25 No. 3, pp.10-14. Retrieved July 2, from http://www.pesticide.org/DEET.pdf

Raintree Nutrition, Inc. Tropical Plant Database. (1996). Andiroba (carapa guianensis). Retrieved March 05, 2009, from http://www.rain-tree.com/andiroba.htm

Report of an Ad Hoc Panel of the Board of Science and Technology for International Development, National Research Council. (1992). Neem: A Tree for Solving Global Problems. Washington, D.C.: National Academy Press. Retrieved December 13, 2008, from http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=1924&page=R1

Household Uses of BGONE Liquid Concentrate

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The 5th Generation
Neem Product

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