Question:
While we are on the subject of insect repellant, what exactly is the harm in
DEET to children. How about older children of ages 10, 8 and 6. Would there
be any specific harm to them if they have it on. After I put it on them or
they put it on themselves, I have them wash their hands so they don't get it
in their eyes. Is it just for babies who could possibly get it in their
eyes, or are there other problems with DEET containing repellants? Thanks.
Answer:
I'm in a West Nile Virus zone, so there's a *lot* of talk about balancing
dangers.
The Ontario Government has posted the following advice on its WNV page:
"Look for repellents with no more than 30 per cent DEET for adults and no
more than 10 per cent DEET for children. Children should not have
DEET-containing repellant on their hands, and children under six months of
age should not have DEET applied (it is recommended, where there is a high
risk of complications to the child from insect bites, that DEET may be
considered for children aged six months to two years). Pregnant women can
apply repellant to their clothes only, but not directly on their skin."
The Canadian Pediatric Society has issued these guidelines:
--General information
-When using insect repellent on children, always apply it for them.
-Always read the entire label before using.
-Apply the product lightly. Don't use more than you need.
-Do not apply on irritated or sunburned skin.
-Apply it only on top of clothing or to skin that is showing. Don't use it
under clothes.
-Do not get it in eyes. If you do get insect repellent in your eyes, rinse
with water right away.
-If you are spraying, be careful not to breathe it. Always spray products in
a place that is well ventilated. Don't spray it in a tent, or near food.
-Don't spray children's hands. They'll be less likely to get it into their
eyes or mouth.
-When you don't need the protection anymore, wash the skin with soap and
water.
-If you think your child is having a reaction to the product, wash the skin
and get medical help right away. Take the container with you so the doctor
knows what you used.
--Children under 6 months old:
-Do not use insect repellents with DEET on infants.
-Although there is no known hazard to breastfed infants, nursing mothers may
wish to consider DEET alternatives, such as using protective clothing and
avoiding exposure to insects.
-Products containing citronella or lavender oil should not be used on
infants.
--Children aged 6 months to 2 years:
-If there is a high risk of complications from insect bites (for example, an
area where there are reports of West Nile virus), you can use products with
DEET only once a day.
-Use a product with the least available concentration: 10% DEET or less.
-Although there is no known hazard to breastfed infants, nursing mothers may
wish to consider DEET alternatives, such as using protective clothing and
avoiding exposure to insects.
-Products containing citronella or lavender oil should not be used.
-Use just a little bit of the product. Don't apply it to the child's face or
hands.
-It's best not to use the product for a long time.
--Children between 2 and 12 years old:
-Use a product with no more than 10% DEET.
-Do not apply more than 3 times a day.
-Do not apply to the child's face or hands.
-It's best not to use the product for a long time.
--Children over 12 years old:
-Use a product with 30% DEET or less.
-If needed, re-apply when it's no longer working. The amount of time the
product protects against insect bites depends on how much DEET it has:
30% DEET provides about 6.5 hours of protection.
15% DEET provides about 5 hours of protection.
10% DEET provides about 3 hours of protection.
5% DEET provides about 2 hours of protection.
-In Canada, products with a higher concentration of DEET (above 30%) are
being phased out. They won't be available after December 31, 2004. Products
containing citronella and lavender oil are currently being evaluated for
their safety.
