What’s the problem of Chemical-Based Repellents?

Housekeeping Tips

By Archie Armada

Traditionally, various types of substances have been used to kill or repel mosquitos. These include smoke generating preparations, plant extracts, oils, tars, and lately chemicals or synthetic compounds. As insect repellent became more sophisticated (or maybe mosquitos are getting more sophisticated?), individual compounds were discovered and isolated.

From the discovey of the repellent dimethyl phthalate in 1929, to Indalone in 1937, and Rutgers 612 (2-ethyl-1, 3-hexane diol) was synthesized soon after, these materials had been found to have certain limitations which prevented their widespread use.

Since none of these available materials were ideal repellents, research into new synthetic materials continued, which lead the scientists to synthesize DEET (n-n-diethylnetatoluamide), currently the most widely used active ingredient for mosquito repellents. After its discovery, manufacturers developed many forms in which to deliver DEET, such as creams, lotions, and aerosols.

Findings lately showed that insecticides that are being sprayed at home, the metropolis and accross the country to fight the breeding of mosquitos and repellents used topically to ward off mosquitos that are the main carrier of Dengue virus, H-Fever, Malaria, etc., are likely to contribute to a number of other diseases.

DEET is a registered chemical ingredient that forms the active component of every chemical-based mosquito repellents. When applied on the topical areas, it easily penetrate into the skin and to our blood stream that may cause memory loss, headache, weaknesses, fatigue, muscle and joint pains, tremors and shortness of breath. Some DEET repellents also hold toxic chemical substances like isopropyl alcohol and ethyl that are highly harmful to children.

Synthetic chemical insect repellents require washing with soap to remove them completely from your body. Some of these chemicals remain on your clothing for weeks after use continuing to be absorbed by your skin.

There are lots of botanical and available in the market today that are effective in warding off mosquitos devoid of causing any health dangers. Other than going for harmful chemical-based mosquito repellents, you can try out some natural repellents prepared with essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, lemon, etc.

Protect yourself, your family and the environment. Do it the natural way.