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Over 200 million people around the world use deet and 8 billion doses have already been applied since the compound was discovered in 1953. Though many people use DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) as insect repellant, a new study now shows that it is also toxic to the nervous system of mammals and insects.
Deet is similar to paralyzing nerve gases used in war as it blocks the key enzyme, acetylcholinesterase, in the nervous system that helps transmit nerve impulses. Experts caution deet users to apply sparingly and not on wounds or irritated skin.
In addition, when deet interacts with carbamate insecticides, their toxicity increases. These findings question deet's safety, especially in combination with other chemicals. It is important to promote an approach for the development of safer insect repellants that do not harm its users.
Source: BMC Biology, ANI| Related News |
DEET In Bug Repellant Toxic To Nervous System |