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Insect Repellents:
What is it?
Repellents are used outdoors to keep insects away so they won't land on or bite people. Repellents for mosquitos and ticks are the most common type. An insect repellent that you spray on your skin or clothes is an example of this kind of product. Maybe you used one yourself if you were in your backyard on a summer evening or went camping with your family.
Insect repellents are sold in spray cans, small bottles of liquid, creams and sometimes as a "stick" like a deodorant.
What's in it?
The pesticide commonly found in repellents are pyrethrins and DEET. DEET is a common name or nickname for the chemical N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide.
What health and safety things do you need to think about when using repellents?
It is very important to follow the directions on the container. Don't get repellents in your eyes or mouth, or in a cut on your skin. Don't spray it on your face. Take a bath to wash it off when you come indoors and put your clothes in the laundry. It's probably best to let your parents apply insect repellents to you and the other kids with you. Remind them to always "Read the Label First" to know how to properly use these products and for safety information.
The chemicals in repellents may cause your eyes, skin or throat to burn. If the label says that you can apply the repellent to skin or clothes, you might want to apply it only to your clothes. It will work just as well. Since repellents contain pesticides you need to be careful when you use them. Whether they make you sick or not depends on your exposure to them.
What do you do if you or someone you're with has an accident with household products?
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