Insect repellent is 'safe' to use, scientists say

[Northerner]

Repellents that contain Deet are safe to use, say scientists who are warning that protection is vital for UK people travelling to tropical destinations, including the World Cup in Brazil.

Deet protects against diseases such as malaria and dengue fever, passed on by mosquitoes and other insects.

Some have been concerned that it could be toxic and pose a risk to health.

But the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine scientists say Deet is "the safest you can get".

They recommend applying repellents containing 20-50% Deet to the skin when in countries with diseases spread by insects.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-27661871

 

[trophywench]

Just don't get it near a polythene bag, though ! LOL

 

[Copepod]

Polythene bags, watch "glass" etc don't need to be protected from bites from disease carrying insects, though, just from from DEET, where it would be wasted.

Personally, I usually apply DEET to clothing, particularly sleeve and trouser leg cuffs, as well as skin, as it's less likely to be sweated off from clothing than skin. Not to avoid contact with my skin, just to make an application last longer. Same applies with midges in parts of UK, plus Arctic regions - they don't carry disease, but can ruin a trip, and when camping, there' less chance to escape.