1. Bug Repellant: Friend or Foe?
Jaclyn Gilman
Chemistry 112
December 15, 2001

2. A good repellant should be:
Nontoxic
Nonirritant
Non-allergenic
Harmless to clothing
Have a non-offensive odor
Easily applied
Effective against multiple insects
Offer protection for several hours under variable weather conditions

3. What is DEET? Chemical Name: diethyl-meta-toluamide
1954- United States Army
1957-Registered for use by the general public
Consumers buy about $100 million worth of products that contain DEET

4. Chemical Structure: Formula: C12H17NO Group: Aromatic Ester
Solubility: Insoluble in water; Soluble in alcohol, ether, and benzene
Origin: Prepared from m-toluoyl chloride and diethylamine in benzene or ether

5. How Does DEET Work? May make skin repugnant to a bug
DEET can jam the cells in the insects antennas that are sensitive to lactic acid

6. Advantages to DEET: DEET offers hours of protection Not greasy
Dries rapidly
Resistant to being washed off

7. Disadvantages to DEET:
Can cause toxic effects
56% penetrates intact human skin
17% absorbed into bloodstream
Children are most vulnerable to accidental misapplication

8. Harmful side effects of DEET:
Rash
Swelling
Itching
Eye-irritation
Slurred Speech
Confusion
Seizures
Headaches
Disorientation
Agitation
Anxiety
Behavioral Changes
Abnormal movements
Lethargy
Coma

9. Precautions: Avoid application under clothing
Avoid application near the eyes or mouth
Do not use on cuts, irritated skin, or on people with chronic skin condition
Wash treated skin and clothing
Use sparingly on children in concentrations of no more than 10% and 34% for adults

10. Other Alternatives:
All Natural Repellants such as Buzz Away, Nutrapel, and Avon’s Skin-so-Soft
Skeeter-Defense Patch