Kids - Bug Off.

If you've ever wondered what impacts insect repellent may have on your little ones, read on.

Why do you care?

• There is debate over the safety of DEET and children.
• The Canadian Medical Association asserts that concern raised over the risk of adverse toxic effects, especially in young children and pregnant and lactating women are not supported by evidence. Insect repellents containing DEET are effective against ticks and mosquitoes when used in appropriate concentrations.1
• Other health practitioners recommend avoiding DEET products as the dangers of overexposure to DEET, which can cause eye and skin irritations, headaches, nausea, through repeat applications throughout the day (after swimming or exercise) is of concern and kids may be more vulnerable to the potentially toxic effects of the substance.

The Know How

• Here's some basics for DEET:
• Do not use on babies and toddlers under the age of two.
• Concentrations for children should be 10% DEET or under.
• Read the label – as concentration of DEET varies significantly from product to product.
• Do not apply to children's hands or face, to reduce potential contact with eyes or ingestion. Do not apply on cuts, wounds, or sunburned skin.
• Never use under clothing.
• Wash product off with soap and water when coming indoors.
• Combination of sunscreen and insect repellent products should be avoided, as sunscreen ingredients may increase absorption rates into skin threefold.
• Do not use oil of lemon eucalyptus (P-menthane 3,8-diol) on children under three years of age. For older children, it can provide up to two hours of protection against mosquitoes. It can be applied two times per day.2
• Put kids in light coloured clothing – as insects appear to be attracted to dark colours.
• Don't use scented soaps, perfumes or hair sprays (let's hope not) on your child.

Know and Tell

• It's Important to balance the risk of disease transmitted through insects (and the whining after a bite) and exposure to toxic chemicals. Use common sense, if your camping in the middle of the woods insect repellent with a low % of DEET may be in order.

Take a look at the Bug off e-Bulletin.