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Pharmaceuticals
DEET (n,n-diethyl-meta-toluamide)
A synthetic chemical widely used as an insect repellent in topical applications. Approved by the EPA for use on skin to prevent arthropod bites. Considered effective but can cause skin irritation and toxicity if misused or overapplied.
Tracked contaminantUpdated Apr 11, 2024
Health score-3.0
-5Poor5
Water guidelines
- Legal limit
- Not specified
- Health guideline
- Not specified
Food and supplement guidelines
- Legal limit
- Not specified
- Health guideline
- Not specified
Risks
Skin irritation, neurotoxicity at high doses, potential for systemic toxicity, environmental toxicity to aquatic life
Benefits
Effective insect repellent, reduces risk of insect-borne diseases such as malaria, Lyme disease, and Zika virus