Bug Sprays and Insect Repellents
- Katie
- Apr 29
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 30
Bug sprays are critical for the prevention of diseases carried by insects. However, some bug sprays are safer than others. Insect repellent exposure can occur through skin absorption after application, inhalation when it's been sprayed, and ingestion if it's on your hands. Especially with frequent exposure, choosing a safer bug spray is important.
The information around N, N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET) is conflicting. With some evidence of neurotoxicity and other effects, however, there are better options. In a mouse study, DEET exposure led to lower levels of white blood cells. DEET was also able to change gene expression (how much of a gene's product is produced) and harm DNA. DEET application has also been linked to brain cell death, which can cause learning, memory, and motor problems, although some have suggested that the cell death was actually due to errors in the study. DEET and DEET plus permethrin both led to nervous system harm. One study found that men exposed to mostly DEET-containing insect repellents for over 115 days had an increased risk of testicular cancer. However, this study has been called into question because participants self-reported exposure using questionnaires, which might not be accurate. DEET can also be a skin irritant. If you use DEET-based insect repellents, choose one with 30% or less DEET for adults and 10% or less for children to minimize risk.
Permethrin is applied to clothing, and permethrin-treated items can also be purchased. This insect repellent is a skin irritant. Ingestion, skin absorption, and inhalation of permethrin have been associated with nervous system issues. It can disrupt hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Exposure to permethrin has also been associated with kidney, liver, immune system, cardiovascular, reproductive, DNA, blood, and cell harm.
Although no health concerns have been found for IR3535 (3-[N-butyl-N-acetyl]-amino-propionic acid ethyl ester)/EBAAP (Ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate), few studies have been done on long-term exposure, neurotoxicity, or carcinogenicity. However, it has been noted that based on the shape of the molecule, the fact that IR3535 is not harmful to DNA, and the lack of reported effects, it's not likely a carcinogen. IR3535 is considered safe for now, but future studies could change that.
Oil of lemon eucalyptus and other essential oils are also used in many insect repellents. These can include harmful VOCs. You can read more about this issue here.
Picaridin appears to be non-toxic based on current evidence and with real-life use, although at higher levels, liver and kidney harm have been observed. This is the active ingredient I recommend.
DEET, permethrin, IR3535, essential oils, and picaridin are the main active ingredients in bug sprays - the ingredients that keep away the bugs. Besides the active ingredients, there can also be inactive, or "other," ingredients in bug sprays. Many products don't disclose all of their ingredients, calling them "proprietary." This makes it difficult to ensure a product is truly toxin-free.
There are some alternatives to bug spray. Try wearing non-skin-tight clothing that covers as much skin as possible. Mosquito nets not treated with permethrin can be helpful, especially for babies (when bug spray is not recommended). A fan can also keep away mosquitoes, as they can't fly through the "wind." Mosquito coils are not good alternatives because they contain chemicals like formaldehyde, and burning them releases particulate matter and other chemicals in the coil into the air. This smoke is not safe to breathe in, and lung harm, including cancer, may occur.
Using insect repellents in situations where there is a risk of insect-borne disease is important. Make sure to follow the insect repellent's instructions carefully when applying. Aerosols use gases like butane, which can be harmful, to push out the spray, so a spritz is safer. I recommend Ranger Ready's Picaridin Repellent Scent Zero (unscented, to avoid the potentially harmful ingredient "fragrance") or Zone Protects' Picaridin Unscented Insect Repellent. Ranger Ready's is made with picaridin, water, alcohol, and propylene glycol. Zone Protects' is picaridin, ethanol (alcohol), polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400, and water. Propylene glycol has been linked to lower levels of blood cells, and PEG 400 may be contaminated with the carcinogens 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide, but these are still the safest options because most insect repellents don't disclose their ingredients at all. Choosing safer insect repellents like these helps lower exposure to potentially harmful ingredients in conventional products.
Here's where I got some of this info!
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