cktimes.ca Archives for Choices4Wellness
Choices4Wellness
Deet Harmful? I say Yes
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
What is DEET? Web definition of DEET : is the safest insect repellent for protection, particularly of children, against insect borne diseases such as West Nile Virus, meningitis. Isn't that interesting almost every web page and article I have read says limit or do not apply to children or infants? Yet the dictionary on the web states it's the safest protection for children?Deet : (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide)
History 101
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered DEET for public use in 1957 developed by the US military. It re-assessed DEET in 1998 to ensure that it meets modern safety standards. It concluded that DEET is very safe when used as directed.
Have you read your label on deep woods OFF?
It states that it is harmful to wood and plastic – hmmm but it is OK to absorb into our skin?
A segment From CBC market place
Health Canada's new guidelines say to use DEET sparingly, and not for prolonged periods of time. But, what does that mean?
The University of Toronto's Desi Kadar wouldn't do that: "Occasional [use], I wouldn't worry about it. Occasionally. But to use it for more than two or three days – I would be concerned, I wouldn't do it.î
The new guidelines lift the ban on DEET for kids under two. But for those aged two to 12, the rules have been tightened. In the past, any concentration was allowed: now they recommend no more than 10 per cent DEET. The new labels also warn: "Do not apply more than 3 times per day."
Desi Kadar would like to see labels with more explicit warnings, like on a spray from South Africa. It says: "Repeated excessive applications on children should be avoided, as there have been rare reports of encephalopathy in children."
In rare circumstances, slurred speech, confusion and seizures have been associated with the use of DEET, particularly in children. The risk of experiencing any adverse health effects is reduced when products containing DEET are used according to label instructions and concentrated DEET products are avoided.
From the CDC(center for disease control)
DEET is toxic when ingested and may cause skin irritation in sensitive persons. High concentrations applied to the skin can cause blistering.
Info from the Gulf war link site
Potential Health Effects of DEET
DEET Metabolism/Pharmacokinetics
Carbon dioxide and lactic acid are among the most important cues mosquitoes use to locate a host. It is believed that DEET repels mosquitoes by inhibiting lactic acid receptors on their antennae (Davis and Sokolove, 1976).
DEET can enter the body through several exposure pathways, including dermal and ocular exposures, inhalation, and ingestion. Some consider DEET an ideal permeant of skin (Stinecipher and Shah, 1997), and it has been reported to accelerate the dermal penetration of pharmaceuticals (Windheuser et al., 1982), raising the concern that DEET may also increase dermal penetration of pesticides, since they are often used together (Moody et al., 1987).
Episodes of severe DEET toxicity in mammals are usually related to a direct action on the nervous system. Experimental animals that received large doses of DEET have manifested coma and death. Animal studies have suggested that DEET is not a selective neurotoxin (Osimitz and Grothaus, 1995; Schoenig et al., 1996).
Reported cases of severe DEET toxicity in humans have involved mainly encephalopathies in children. The vast majority of these cases occurred in female children exposed to topical DEET, so it was hypothesized that another mechanism of DEET toxicity that may occur with smaller systemic doses is perturbation of ammonia metabolism (Heick et al., 1988), resulting in hyperammonia. In this case, DEET would be especially toxic to individuals with genetic or acquired defects in ammonia metabolism, such as female carriers of ornithine carbamoyl transferase (OCT) deficiency (this condition is usually fatal in neonatal males). Heick et al. (1988) injected normal mice with DEET and observed acutely increased ammonia levels. While this result, as reported in case-study observations, suggests hyperammonia as a primary mechanism of acute DEET toxicity, the authors also point out several cases that suggest hypersensitivity reactions (Miller, 1982; Roland et al., 1985). Furthermore, cases of DEET-associated seizures in boys (MMWR 1989; Lipscomb et al., 1992) and men (MMWR, 1989; Veltri et al., 1994) may discredit the hypothesis that OCT deficiency is the predisposing factor for DEET CNS toxicity (Lipscomb et al., 1992), or may at least suggest that there is yet another responsible mechanism.
Endnotes
HYPERLINK "http://www.gulflink.osd.mil/library/randrep/pes....8.ch5.html" l "NOTE1" [1] There is some evidence, however, that there is little or no evaporation of DEET from the skin of rats (Schoenig et al., 1996) and humans (Selim et al., 1995).
HYPERLINK "http://www.gulflink.osd.mil/library/randrep/pes....8.ch5.html" l "NOTE2" [2] LD50 is the median lethal dose. This is a statistically derived single dose that can be expected to cause death in 50 percent of test animals when administered by the route indicated. It is expressed as the weight of a substance per unit weight of animal.
From Duke University Medical news
DEET should be used with caution due to its possible damaging effects on brain cells. Studies have shown that DEET causes brain cell death and behavioral changes in rats after frequent and prolonged use. This exposure causes neurons to die in regions of the brain that control muscle movement, learning, memory, and concentration. Rats treated with an average human dose of DEET (40 mg/kg body weight) performed far worse when challenged with physical tasks requiring muscle control, strength and coordination. These findings are consistent with reported human symptoms following DEET's use by the military in the Persian Gulf War.
With heavy exposure to DEET and other insecticides, humans may experience memory loss, headache, weakness, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, tremors and shortness of breath. These symptoms may not be evident until months or even years after exposure. The most severe damage occurs when DEET is used concurrently with other insecticides, such as permethrin, for prolonged and frequent periods of time.
At this time, there is little information about the short-term, singular and occasional use of DEET. Further government testing of the chemical's safety is necessary. However, frequent and long-term use of DEET, especially in combination with other chemicals or medications, could cause brain deficits in vulnerable populations, particularly children.
Until further studies are done, it is important to be cautious when using this insecticide:
Use insecticides containing DEET sparingly and infrequently. If you do use one on your skin, avoid wearing it for prolonged periods of time.
Be wary of using insect repellant containing DEET on children. Children are more susceptible to subtle brain changes caused by chemicals in their environment because their skin more readily absorbs them. Also, their still-developing nervous systems are more potently affected. For the same reasons,
NEVER use insect repellant containing DEET on infants.
Be aware that DEET can be present in commonly used preparations like insecticide-based lice-killing shampoos. Use the same precautions with such preparations as you would with insect repellant.
Do not combine insecticides with each other or use them while using other medications. Even an over-the-counter antihistamine could interact with DEET to cause toxic side effects.
Do not spray your yard for insects and then take medications afterward. There is a possibility that you've inhaled a small amount of the insecticide that might interact negatively with the medication. Also, be sure to wash your skin thoroughly after spraying your yard. Lawn treatment chemicals are very strong and were not formulated to be applied to human skin.
Alternatives:
Citronella
The following from EPA in USA
I. DESCRIPTION OF THE ACTIVE INGREDIENT
Oil of Citronella is a volatile, liquid oil derived from dried cultivated grasses. It works by repelling animals and insects without harming or killing them. It has a distinctive odor, which repels certain animals.
II. USE SITES, TARGET PESTS, AND APPLICATION METHODS
Use Sites: Oil of Citronella is used on humans and their clothing to repel insects. In tablet or pellet form it is also used in recreational areas, outdoor household areas, and around trees and shrubs. Animal collars and tags containing citronella are used on pets and other domestic animals to repel fleas and ticks.
Target pests: Repels various specific insects including mosquitoes, black flies, fleas, and ticks.
Application Methods: Products containing Oil of Citronella are applied in various ways:
1. Liquid products are sprayed or applied by hand (cloth wipe-on) on skin or clothing.
2. Citronella is also used in solid products such as candles, cartridges, and rub-on products.
3. It is used in flea collars for cats and dogs.
?II. ASSESSING RISKS TO HUMAN HEALTH
In studies using laboratory animals, Oil of Citronella shows little or no toxicity. The only concern is skin irritation. Because some products are applied to human skin, EPA requires proper precautionary labeling to help assure safe use. Therefore, if used according to label instructions, citronella is not expected to pose health risks to people, including children and other sensitive populations.
Oil of Citronella has been used extensively since 1948 without any reports of adverse effects of concern.
IV. ASSESSING RISKS TO THE ENVIRONMENT
Based on laboratory animal studies, Oil of Citronella poses minimal or no risks to wildlife. Because of the low toxicity and limited uses of Oil of Citronella, it is not harmful to the environment. No adverse effects are expected for use around the home.
V. REGULATORY INFORMATION
Registered (licensed for use) in 1948.
Number of products: 31 (September 1999)
Oil of Citronella is considered so unlikely to cause harmful effects that some citronella products are exempt from the usual regulation. However, registration is required for those products that do not meet the criteria for exemption (for instance, they contain other ingredients that EPA has not classified as minimal risk).
Making Your Own Natural Insect Repellent
Herbalist Debra Nuzzi-St. Claire suggests combining the following essential oils to make a natural insect repellent:
1/2 ounce citronella oil
1/4 ounce lavender oil
1/8 ounce pennyroyal oil
1/8 ounce tea tree oil
1/8 ounce jojoba oil
Our top seller at our store is Buzz-Away
Buzz Away, the all natural DEET-free insect repellent from Quantum, Inc. of Eugene, Oregon, wins high marks for excellent performance from Good Housekeeping Institute, University of Guelph, and The National Parenting Center. First sold in 1994, Buzz Away is now proven to be one of America's leading brands of natural insect repellents. These studies are the first time credible independent organizations have tested the effectiveness of the leading brands of natural insect repellents against one another.
Buzz Away is formulated with Citronella, Cedarwood, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass and Peppermint - pure, natural plant extracts which repel bugs. Registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Buzz Away spray is now rated the most effective DEET-free insect repellent available.
Buzz Away is made with essential oils, even though they are natural, they are not to be ingested or sprayed into the eyes! You should follow all warnings on the label. If you have a skin condition or have sensitive skin, it is best to check with a physician before using any new product.
So there you have it some information to digest .
It is our mission to help people make their healthiest choice for themselves and their families....thanks for reading.....Greg Foster
Inspirational wisdom: All success comes with some fear. Let the fear motivate you in the direction of your goal
Greg Foster, owner of Choices4Wellness has a long history in the Natural Health industry. Since 1987 Greg's goal has been to own and operate his own store. While working toward his goal, he was a sales associate for Prolab a sports nutrition company. Greg also worked as a personal trainer and helped people achieve their fat loss and fitness goals, while also teaching them that these goals were about a "whole" lifestyle approach and the benefits of supplements and healthy food choices . Always teaching that it's about FAT LOSS not weight loss, Greg is now able to live out his dream of owning a health food store so that he can better meet the needs of his clients. Greg has a personal training room at the store where he has one on one time with his clients. They range from teenagers to couples that want personalized time and attention to achieve fitness goals without the busy atmosphere of a gym, where sometimes your precious work-out time is gobbled up by socializing and waiting your turn on the equipment.. It is during this time that Greg is able to recommend lifestyle choices to enhance your work-out routine & a positive mental attitude. Being a father of 3 boys, ages Trevor 18, Chad 10,and Shane 9 , Greg is sympathetic to living a busy life, and helps to make fitness goals realistic as well. At 41, Greg Foster , has embarked on a journey of entrepreneurial spirit, meshed with a passion to see people lead healthier ,happier lives. Truly, a business combination for success. Kim Iles, the manager of Choices4Wellness, is no stranger to the Natural Health Industry. She formerly founded and owned Alternative Choices from 1993 until its closing in 2004. During those 11years, Kim achieved many levels of business experience. She was on the board of directors for the CHFA (Canadian Health Food Association) as well as developing and franchising her Alternative choices concept. Kim's real passion however is with teaching, providing lectures, and spreading her knowledge of natural health through out Chatham-Kent and beyond. Kim is a mother of a 22 year old daughter , Nicole and a 17 year old son, Jordon . To Choices4Wellness, Kim also brings her knowledge of the water purification side of the business. Kim is a former owner and co-founder of Pure Choice Water Centers. The new store located inside of Choices4Wellness is appropriately named Choices4Water with a slogan "water you can believe in", offering state of the art purification better tasting and at better prices than the old business she left behind. Kim has always been a familiar voice on the radio, as well as in the newspaper, as she believes education and creating awareness is vital to getting people use and accept natural health products to create wellness and a lifestyle that enhances their lives.
