What's In Your Bug Spray?

H. A HUFFINGTON POST GRAPHIC PICARIDIN This WHO-approved newcomer tests as effectively as DEET, but doesn't have the same propensity to irritate skin and eves, emit WHAT'S IN YOUR DEET a strong smell perhaps most reassuringly - doesn't dissolve plastic. A 20 percent concentration protects against mosquitoes and ticks for 8 to 14 hours, while 10 percent protects for 3.5 to 8 hours. and EWG found that DEET is effective against many disease-carrying species of mosquitoes, ticks and other pests. Few serious reactions have been reported (though there have been a few BUG neurological reactions in rats that could be cause for concern). The EWG recommends keeping DEET concentration below 30 percent, compared to the CDC's 50 percent cap. SPRAY By this point of the summer, you've probably been to your fair share of pool parties, BBQS and days at the beach. And that means you've slathered on some bug spray. It's high season for mosquitoes, ticks and other disease-carrying pests. But if you're careful about the cosmetics and sunscreen that OIL OF LEMON EUCALYPTUS / PMD Extract taken from the Australian Lemon Eucalyptus tree is useful against mosquitoes and other insects thanks to its high level of the compound para-menthane- 3,8-diol, also known as PMD. This type of repellent may have about 30 percent Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus and 20 percent PMD. At this concentration, it may be as effective as DEET, although the protection time is considered to be shorter. IR3535 This synthetic approximation of the amino acid B-alanine you put on your skin... what about sprays that are designed to repel living things? Enter the Environmental Working Group. The consumer health advocacy group took a deep look at bug sprays, finding that the majority are not only safe, but effective in protecting against insects that carry diseases like West Nile virus and Lyme disease. goes by iR3535. The compound can irritate eyes, but is otherwise safe. İR3535 performs as well as DEET against West Nile-carrying Culex mosquitoes and deer ticks that carry Lyme disease. Consumer Reports tested the compound against DEET and found it was less effective against the Aedes mosquitoes that carry yellow fever, dengue and encephalitis. WHAT IF YOUR REPELLENT ISN'T A SPRAY? WHAT'S MORE DANGEROUS: BUG BITES OR BUG REPELLENT Permethrin-treated clothing Although tempting because it isn't applied directly to the skin, the insecticide is considered more toxic than the active West Nile Virus Illnesses: 5,674 in 2012 Deaths: 286 in 2012 ingredients in sprays. Repellent candles Aside from being ineffective, these candles can provide an inhalation hazard. Lyme Disease Illnesses: 24,364 in 2011 Deaths: 114 between 1999 and 2003 Clip-on repellents These use pesticides that are more toxic than spray ingredients - and there's some evidence that they aren't as effective. Skin Exposure To DEET Illnesses: seizure, the most common reported adverse effect, occurred in one per 100 million users, though the EPA said it was not possible to definitively confirm the DEET repellent as causal. Deaths: 8 between 1961 and 2002 Sources: Environmental Working Group, Centers for Disease Control Division of Toxicology and Human Health Services, Reuters, Environmental Protection Agency THE HUFFINGTON POST