FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, APRIL 24, 1998
EPA PROMOTES SAFER USE OF INSECT REPELLENT DEET
New labeling requirements to ensure the safe use of insect
repellents containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) have been issued by
EPA's Office of Pesticide Programs. EPA is issuing the new labeling requirements
as a result of a comprehensive review of the most recent health and safety data
available on DEET, the active ingredient in the most widely used insect
repellents (used by approximately one-third of the U.S. population each year).
Based on its review EPA has determined that DEET, if used as directed, will not
pose significant health risks to consumers. However, EPA is requiring changes to
current labels to ensure that DEET is applied safely, particularly on children.
Specifically, companies that make and distribute DEET
products will no longer be able to claim that their products are "child safe,"
and new labels will direct parents to not allow children to handle this
product. Currently, "child safe" claims are allowed on products containing 15%
or less of the active ingredient DEET. New directions for use will also include,
for example, the following statements: do not use on hands or near eyes and
mouth of young children; do not use under clothing; avoid over application of
this product; after returning indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water and
wash treated clothing. DEET is registered by EPA for both human and veterinary
uses to help prevent bites from mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting insects that
may transmit disease, including Lyme disease, malaria, encephalitis and others.
Manufacturers and distributors will be required to incorporate labeling changes
within two years. More information on DEET and the use of other insect
repellents is available at EPA's Communication Services Branch at 703-305-5017.
Every effort has been made to provide
correct, complete and up-to-date pest management information for New York State
in this publication. Changes in pesticide regulations thus occur constantly, and
human errors are still possible. These recommendations are not a substitute for
pesticide labeling. Before using any product, chemical, or pesticide, read
carefully, understand, and follow strictly any instructions on the product
label. The above information has been obtained from sources believed to be
reliable. Neither Ocean-Beach.com nor any employees of Ocean-Beach.com have
verified the correctness of any information contained herein.
Revised: November 09, 2002
