United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Prevention, Pesticides
And Toxic Substances
(7506C)
735-F-93-052R
February 1996
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Using Insect Repellents Safely
Mosquitoes, biting flies, and ticks can be annoying and sometimes pose a serious risk to public
health. In certain areas of the U.S., mosquitoes can transmit diseases like equine and St. Louis
encephalitis. Biting flies can inflict a painful bite that can persist for days, swell, and become
infected. Ticks can transmit serious diseases like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted
fever. When properly used, insect repellents can discourage biting insects from landing on
treated skin or clothing. *
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
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:
>• Repellents should be applied 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.
>• Don't apply to eyes and mouth and, with young children, do not apply to their hands.
K 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 unnecessary for effectiveness; if biting insects do not respond to a thin film
of repellent, 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.
*• If you suspect that you or your child are reacting to an insect repellent, wash treated
skin and then call your local poison control center. If/when you go to a doctor, take the
repellent with you.
> You or your doctor can get specific medical information about the active ingredients in
repellents and other pesticides by calling the National Pesticide Telecommunications
Network (NPTN) at 1-800-858-7378. NPTN operates from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
(Pacific Time) 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday.
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General Note
EPA recommends the following precautions when, using an insect repellent or pesticide:
* Checfc the con'tainer 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 this use.
>- Store pesticides away from children's reach, in a locked utility cabinet or garden shed.
Avoiding Ticks and Lyme Disease
Lyme disease has become the leading tick-borne illness in the U.S. In 1992, the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention recorded 9,677 cases. The deer tick is the species that most often transmits
Lyme disease. With proper precautions, Lyme disease is preventable.
• Deer ticks are most active from April through October, so exercise additional caution when
venturing into tick country.
• When in a tick-infested area, a good prevention is an insect repellent; however, consider using
a product designed to be applied to clothing rather than your skin.
• Tuck pants cuffs into boots or socks, and wear long sleeves and light-colored clothing which
makes it easier to spot ticks.
• Stay to the center of hiking paths, and avoid grassy and marshy woodland areas.
• Inspect yourself and your children for clinging ticks after leaving an infested area. Deer ticks
are hard to see—nymphs are dot-sized; adults, smaller than a sesame seed. If you discover a
tick feeding, do not panic: studies indicate that an infected tick does not usually transmit the
Lyme organism during the first 24 hours.
• If you suspect Lyme disease or its symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY, first determine what the person was exposed to and
what part of the body was affected before you take action, since taking the right action is as
important as taking immediate action. If the person is unconscious, having trouble breathing, or
having convulsions, give the indicated first aid immediately. Call 911 or your local emergency ,
service. If these symptoms are not noticeable, contact your local Poison Control Center, physician,
911 or your local emergency service and follow their directions. The following are general first aid
guidelines:
• Poison in eye. Eye membranes absorb pesticides faster than any other external part of the
body. Eye damage can occur in a few minutes with some types of pesticides. If poison
splashes into an eye, hold the eyelid open and wash quickly and gently with clean running
water from the tap or a gentle stream from a hose for at least 15 minutes. If possible, have
someone contact a Poison Control Center while the victim is being treated. Do not use eye
drops, chemicals, or drugs La the wash water.
• Poison on skin. If pesticide splashes on the skin, drench area with water and remove
contaminated clodiing. Wash skin and hair thoroughly with soap and water. Later discard
contaminated clothing or thoroughly wash it separately from other laundry.
• Inhaled poison. Carry or drag victim to fresh air immediately. If proper protection is
unavailable, call the Fire Department. Loosen victim's tight clothing. Open doors and windows
to prevent fumes from poisoning others.
• Swallowed poison. Induce vomiting ONLY if the emergency personnel on the phone tell you
to do so. It will depend on what the victim has swallowed; some petroleum products, or
caustic poisons can cause serious damage if vomited. Always keep Syrup of Ipecac on hand
(1 bottle per household). Be sure die date is current and keep it out of children's reach.
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