DEET repellents might harm kids
State officials are reminding consumers to use caution when applying insect repellents containing diethyltoluamide (DEET) to children because it can cause health problems if not used correctly.
The American Academy of Pediatrics says repellents with low DEET concentrations can be used on children more than two months old. Insect repellents containing DEET, with a concentration of 10 percent, are as safe as other products when used according to product labels.
When using a repellent on a child, apply it to your own hands and rub your hands on the child. Avoid a child’s eyes and mouth and use it sparingly around their ears. Do not apply repellent to a child’s hands or allow young children to apply it themselves. Keep repellents out of reach of children, and do not apply repellent to skin under clothing.
Here are more tips for safe usage on kids:
Use repellents sparingly. Low concentrations (10 percent or below) are effective and may be preferred in most situations.
Once the child is back indoors and/or the repellent is no longer necessary, wash the treated skin with soap and water.
Don’t use repellents on broken, irritated skin or apply to eyes and mouth.
Don’t apply to a child’s hands that often end up in their mouth. Avoid breathing sprays and don’t use near food.
Although reactions to repellents are rare, exposure to excessive levels of DEET may cause headaches, restlessness, crying spells, mania, staggering, rapid breathing, convulsions and possibly coma. Consumers should immediately stop using a repellent if they experience any of the above symptoms and contact a poison control center or emergency room if swallowed.
For more information, call the Michigan Department of Agriculture at (517) 373-9750.