Q: Is DEET safe for both adults and children?
A: There is widespread expert agreement that nothing comes close to DEET in providing safe protection against biting ticks and insects and serious, sometimes fatal diseases they transmit When label instructions are followed, DEET is safe to use on people of any age, including children, and in any concentration. More than 40 years of use and scientific research support this conclusion. All DEET products are registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) before they can be marketed.

Q: What is the DEET concentration for the best protection from biting insects?
A: When selecting an insect repellent, DEET concentration should match the requirements of the outdoor activity. A general rule-of-thumb is to match percentage concentration to the duration of outdoor exposure. Brief outdoor activities require the lowest concentrations of DEET, while longer activities require higher concentrations. Some consideration should also be given to the type of activity. For example, backyard barbecues have different protection requirements than a hike in the woods. Additionally, people who live in regions with heavy insect or tick populations should use higher concentrations of DEET even in the backyard for maximum protection.

Q: Is a concentration of 10% or less the right one to use on children?
A: It is a common is perception that a DEET concentration higher than 10% should not be used on children. Based on scientific data, EPA has approved all concentration for use on all individuals provided they follow label directions. It is important, however, to avoid applying DEET to hands of young children, since they often put them in their mouths. Be sure to follow all child safety precautions on product labels.

Q: Didn't Florida Health Officials, Disney and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend using DEET at a concentration of 10% or less?
A: Yes, and everyone who followed these directions should have received some amount of protection against biting insects and the diseases they carry. What is key here is that all of these groups recognize DEET as an important public health weapon against insect borne disease and recommend its use. It is important that the public know, however that the higher concentrations of DEET provide longer duration of protection. The DEET industry recommends that consumers select a concentration of protection that matches the length of time they intend to be outdoors and the type of outdoor activity.

Q: Is it possible to over-apply DEET?
A. .The EPA has ensured that DEET products are safe for people of all ages by establishing guidelines for proper use on all product labeling. Both EPA and the DEET industry recommend closely following label directions when applying DEET repellents.

Q: Will applying DEET only to clothing offer complete protection?
A. .No. DEET should always be applied to skin that is not covered by clothing. Even very small areas of skin left untreated are vulnerable to tick and insect bites. For example, mosquitoes will hover until they find exposed areas on which to feed. If applying DEET to clothing, be aware that some damage could occur to certain synthetic materials.

Q: Hasn't DEET been linked to seizures in children?
A: Absolutely not. In fact, no direct link has ever been scientifically established between DEET exposure and significant health symptoms.

Q: Has anyone ever died from using DEET?
A: The American Association of Poison Control Center database reports on death that resulted from ingestion of 100% DEET that was ruled a suicide. There are no reported incidents of death in people who have properly used DEET by following label instructions.

Q: What about cases reported in the media that have implied that DEET is the cause of serious medical problem or ever death?
A: Independent and peer-reviewed scientific studies have never concluded that a direct link between DEET exposure and any significant health symptoms exists. Unfortunately, the media have drawn their own conclusions and reported them as fact, without scientific basis. DEET is used safely and effectively by approximately 30% of the U.S. population during a given year, averaging 7 to 8 applications per person. This results in more than 400 million exposures to DEET each year.

Q: How does DEET compare to non-DEET insect repellents?
A. .Extensive independent scientific research concludes that nothing else cone close to DEET in protecting against biting insects and the serious diseases they may carry. In contrast, there is little or no scientific proof that other substances marketed as insect repellents provide as much protection as DEET.

DEET is one of only two insect repellents registered by EPA for topical application to humans. The other is citronella oil. Of the two, DEET is scientifically proven to be far more effective in providing protection against biting insects. In fact, the World Health Organization, Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Army recommend people use "DEET based repellents" when traveling to countries where insect-borne diseases are prevalent.

Q: How effect is DEET when used in combination with sunscreen products?
A. .DEET insect repellent/sunscreen products are safe and effective for providing protection form biting insects and ultraviolet rays when used according to label directions. These products are essential in areas with population of daytime biting insects. However, scientific research shows that sequential applications of products not designed to be used together results in loss of effectiveness in both products.

NOTE: It is important to consult a physician before using DEET product that contains sunscreen on children under the age of six months. DEET insect repellents, however, are safe on people of all ages, including infant's 6 months and younger.

Q: Has any clinical research been done specifically on children?
A: In response to increasing calls for specific testing by EPA, some companies in the DEET industry have performed clinical testing involving children. These studies were conducted only after the companies determined children would not be put at risk. It has been the DEET industry's philosophy for many years to generate scientific findings without involving children. The industry will continue to examine ways to safely study children while responding to EPA's requests.

Q: What is the DEET Joint Venture?
A: The DEET Joint Venture (DJV) is a coalition of manufacturers that work with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to ensure the safest, most effective and affordable DEET insect repellents are available to the American public. The DJV was formed in 1985 under the auspices of the Chemical Specialties Manufacturers Association (CSMA) to provide scientific data t EPA for the re-registration of DEET products The DJV has conducted 36 major safety studies on DEET since 1985 at the cost of more than $5 million. Such studies have confirmed what more than 40 years of research have consistently found that DEET products are safe when used according to label directions.