How
to Use Insect Repellents Safely
Choosing Insect Repellents
Insect repellents
are available in various forms and concentrations. Aerosol and pump-spray
products are intended for skin applications as well as for treating
clothing. Liquid, cream, lotion, spray, and stick products enable
direct skin application. Products with a low concentration of active
ingredient may be appropriate for situations where exposure to insects
is minimal. Higher concentration of active ingredient may be useful
in highly infested areas or with insect species which are more difficult
to repel. And where appropriate, consider nonchemical ways to deter
biting insects - screens, netting, long sleeves, and slacks.
Using Insect
Repellents Safely
EPA recommends
the following precautions when using insect repellents:
- Apply repellents
only to exposed skin and/or clothing (as directed on the product
label). Do not use under clothing.
- Never use
repellents over cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.
- Do not apply
to eyes and mouth, and apply sparingly around ears. When using
sprays do not spray directly onto face; spray on hands first and
then apply to face.
- Do not allow
children to handle the products, and do not apply to children's
hands. When using on children, apply to your own hands and then
put it on the child.
- Do not spray
in enclosed areas. Avoid breathing a repellent spray, and do not
use it near food.
- Use just
enough repellent to cover exposed skin and/or clothing. Heavy
application and saturation is generally unnecessary for effectiveness;
if biting insects do not respond to a thin film of repellent,
then apply a bit more.
- After returning
indoors, wash treated skin with soap and water or bathe. This
is particularly important when repellents are used repeatedly
in a day or on consecutive days. Also, wash treated clothing before
wearing it again. If you suspect that you or your child are reacting
to an insect repellent, discontinue use, wash treated skin, and
then call your local poison control center. If/when you go to
a doctor, take the repellent with you.
- Get specific
medical information about the active ingredients in repellents
and other pesticides by calling the National Pesticide Information
Center (NPIC) at 1-800-858-7378. NPIC operates from 6:30 a.m.
to 4:30 p.m. (Pacific Time),9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Eastern Time),
7 days a week. The NPIC Web site is: http://npic.orst.edu/
Important Information
on Using Pesticides
EPA recommends
the following precautions when using an insect repellent or pesticide:
- Check the
container to ensure that the product bears an EPA-approved label
and registration number. Never use a product that has not been
approved for use by EPA!
- Read the
entire label before using a pesticide. Even if you have used it
before, read the label again - don't trust your memory.
- Follow use
directions carefully, use only the amount directed, at the time
and under the conditions specified, and for the purpose listed.
For example, if you need a tick repellent, make sure that the
product label lists this use. If ticks are not listed, the product
may not be formulated for that use.
- Store pesticides
away from children's reach, in a locked utility cabinet or garden
shed.
Fuente
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/factsheets/insectrp.htm
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