pacepeter

Why do they still use it in Canada when it is banned in Europe and most other counties and has been prooved dangerous? anyone know

FlyingDutchman6666

I bought DEET-based insect repellant in the UK last year - legally. Probably overkill for the UK and Canada, but we needed it as we were going to visit an area of South Africa 'frequented' by malaria mosquitos.

I believe DEET is licensed for use in most countries, and relatively harmless to humans. Are you sure you're not confusing it with DDT ??

pacepeter

Yes think the wife thought they were both the same but does say on the can not for children under 12

FlyingDutchman6666

I don't think anyone is saying that DEET is actually good for you, but it does have its uses especially in areas with very agressive mozzies, or where malaria is prevalent.

So yes, using DEET probably carries a tiny risk to your health. If you are worried about your health, start by avoiding tobacco, alcohol, and direct sunlight. Exercise frequenty and eat a varied diet low in fat and high in fresh fruit and vegetables. All this will compensate for the DEET a million-fold.

DEET is not known to give you cancer, but sunlight and alcohol definitely are, to name but a few. :-)

el_richo

Canada is rife with mosquitoes. We were in the Rockies last week and you couldn't sit out in the evening without getting swarmed. Wish we had DEET with us.

We were happy to be back on the West Coast

Atlantic Xpat

When was DEET banned in the UK then?

I bought insect repellant in UK back in 2008 with a 50% DEET content for a trip to Africa. In Canada, you could only buy products with 35% DEET!

Greenhill

There are "family" varieties available but they're pretty much the same stuff, just with less DEET/volume.

I'm not sure if the health risks are from absorption, inhalation or accidental consumption but I try to avoid the possibility of either by only putting it on when absolutely necessary and never directly on skin (spray it on clothes, shoes and especially hats).

jericho

I've been reading a lot of anecdotal evidence about celiacs (or people who have a gluten free diet) not being bitten by mosquitos. Not sure what the science behind it is though...

julie2

If you are pregnant you are advised against using any repellent which contains deet. I hadn't heard deet was actually banned anywhere though.

Atlantic Xpat

It's certainly not banned in the UK. Boot still sell it, including in 50% concentration:

http://www.boots.com/en/Boots-Pharma...25ml-_1121447/

didikai

Avon Skin So Soft. You can get it in a spray. Works every time

Greenhill

Health Canada states:

"DEET

Registered products containing DEET, when used as directed, are acceptable for use. Health Canada completed the latest review in 2001, which was also supported by the Canadian Paediatric Society.

The higher the DEET concentration in the repellent formula, the longer it provides protection. While this is true for protection against both mosquitos and ticks, DEET repels mosquitos for a longer duration than for ticks. When seeking protection against ticks, look for a product that specifies use for ticks. Health Canada has approved the following concentrations for different age groups. Prolonged use should be avoided in children under the age of 12.

Up to 30% concentration of DEET for adults and children over 12 years of age. One application of 30% DEET should be effective for six hours against mosquitos.

Up to 10% concentration for children aged two to 12, applied up to three times daily. One application of 10% DEET should be effective for three hours against mosquitos.

Up to 10% concentration for children aged six months to two years, applied no more than once daily. One application of 10% DEET offers three hours of protection against mosquitos.

Do not use personal insect repellents containing DEET on infants under six months of age. Use a mosquito net when the child is outdoors in a crib, playpen or stroller."

cheeky_monkey

What is worse they still pump their animals with hormones that were banned 25 years ago in the UK and Europe as well as many sweets and drinks that are full of E- numbers etc that were banned back home years ago.

FlyingDutchman6666

I agree it's outrageous. Back when we didn't have all those nasty chemicals and E-numbers, things were way, way better. That's why life expectancy in England as recent as 1800 was 35-40, compared to 77 now.

Oh, wait, err...

ann m

This made me smile.

After you have been outside, and got about 8 mozzie bites that swell up to huge lumps on your arms and legs, and itch for days - then a swift squirt of DEET is nothing. It becomes an essential part of my life for abour four weeks, ie, about now around my area. In another couple of weeks, there won't really be the issue.

My husband, even after 5 years, is still a walking all-you-can-eat-buffet for mosquitoes. So I like to go out with him.