Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Natural Mosquito Protection
We all know mosquitoes are a problem. How many times have you been outside and been bit by mosquitoes? There are only three solutions to this problem: 1. Deal with the mosquitoes, 2. Stay indoors, or 3. Use mosquito repellent products. More than likely you go with option three. Have you ever wondered if the products that we normally use to keep mosquitoes away are hazardous to your health? If you haven't, maybe you should. The active ingredient in 90% of all mosquito repellents is N-Diethyl Toluamide (DEET).
DEET is an alcohol-based compound that is toxic to humans if absorbed into the bloodstream in high concentrations. DEET had been related to certain negative dermal (skin) and neurological (brain) reactions. In 1998 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made the conscious effort to make products containing DEET, not marketable for children. This was due to the fact that DEET is a registered pesticide that is easily absorbed into the bloodstream, is applied directly to the skin, and has been related to many documented seizure incidents.
As a result, the EPA now requires more protective warning labels on products that contain DEET. Another toxic chemical contained in most mosquito repellents is Permethrin, an inspective that actually kills the mosquito. Unfortunately, it is not medically recommended to come in contact with any synthetic pesticides. Although, DEET is toxic, it has remained the number one mosquito repellent ingredient because of its lasting effects. Products that contain DEET usually last about four hours.
Fortunately, there is now an alternative to DEET that is all natural. The citronella plant and lemongrass are both natural substances that have a soothing citrus scent to humans. The EPA licensed citronella for use in 1948. The same soothing scent to humans is also an odorous deterrent to insects such as: mosquitoes, flees, flies, and ticks. As a liquid substance both can be used on pet collars or human skin and have no known toxic properties. The best part is that both substances have been proven to have the same lasting repellent effect as DEET. Citronella can be also be used in the solid form of candles as well.
Vitamin Depot Online.com offers Skedattle, which is a chemical-free insect replant that contains both citronella and lemongrass. It also contains peppermint and vanillin (the pure form of vanilla) to give it more of a refreshing scent. Skedattle can be safely applied to your skin, clothing, and your pet's fur.
DEET is an alcohol-based compound that is toxic to humans if absorbed into the bloodstream in high concentrations. DEET had been related to certain negative dermal (skin) and neurological (brain) reactions. In 1998 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made the conscious effort to make products containing DEET, not marketable for children. This was due to the fact that DEET is a registered pesticide that is easily absorbed into the bloodstream, is applied directly to the skin, and has been related to many documented seizure incidents.
As a result, the EPA now requires more protective warning labels on products that contain DEET. Another toxic chemical contained in most mosquito repellents is Permethrin, an inspective that actually kills the mosquito. Unfortunately, it is not medically recommended to come in contact with any synthetic pesticides. Although, DEET is toxic, it has remained the number one mosquito repellent ingredient because of its lasting effects. Products that contain DEET usually last about four hours.
Fortunately, there is now an alternative to DEET that is all natural. The citronella plant and lemongrass are both natural substances that have a soothing citrus scent to humans. The EPA licensed citronella for use in 1948. The same soothing scent to humans is also an odorous deterrent to insects such as: mosquitoes, flees, flies, and ticks. As a liquid substance both can be used on pet collars or human skin and have no known toxic properties. The best part is that both substances have been proven to have the same lasting repellent effect as DEET. Citronella can be also be used in the solid form of candles as well.
Vitamin Depot Online.com offers Skedattle, which is a chemical-free insect replant that contains both citronella and lemongrass. It also contains peppermint and vanillin (the pure form of vanilla) to give it more of a refreshing scent. Skedattle can be safely applied to your skin, clothing, and your pet's fur.
