I've had so many mosquitoes around my house lately - it's obnoxious. Most people when struck by bugs head for...
I've had so many mosquitoes around my house lately - it's obnoxious. Most people when struck by bugs head for the bug spray, and so do I, but I don't grab for DEET based sprays. I don't like to use them for me, and more importantly I don't like to use them on my son. DEET is a bug repellent and it's been deemed safe for use on humans by the EPA and it's approved for all ages by the EPA, even babies. However, DEET is a toxic chemical and while the EPA says it's safe, they also say it's safe IF you don't get it near your eyes, nose or mouth. Well, how many babies do you know who can leave their eyes, nose, or mouth alone for very long? None right? Additionally, studies do show that DEET is not all that safe. One study conducted in the late 1980s found that a full one-quarter of the subjects studied experienced negative health effects that they blamed on exposure to the chemical. Effects included rashes, skin irritation, numb or burning lips, nausea, headaches, dizziness and difficulty concentrating.
Better, safer alternatives to DEET:
