The EPA approved its continued use in currently available DEET insect repellent products after a comprehensive review of 11 years of extensive independent research into potential DEET human and environmental toxicity. In its evaluation, the agency concluded: "normal use of DEET does not present health concerns_"

False Rumors

• Contrary to false rumors, DEET is "not classifiable as a human carcinogen" and "no toxicologically significant effects in animal studies" could be identified by the EPA.
• Despite some allegations that DEET use can lead to adverse health effects The EPA could find none! In fact, there are so few reports of ANY problems, and what few problems have been reported are ususally so slight in their seriousness (temporary eye pain when sprayed directly into the eyes-DUH!), that it was concluded that DEET is completely safe when used as directed.

What was concluded - "There is a far greater risk of getting bit by an infected insect an contracting a life threatening disease". The application of DEET insect repellents like GreenHead brand Fly and Insect Repellent to the skin and clothing can help prevent bites form ticks and other biting insects that may cause disease.

The agency's findings are particularly important and good news for American public health in light of the widely recognized climatic impact of El Nino will create larger than normal insect populations in the US this year. Experts warn that there will be an increased risk for the diseases that mosquitoes, ticks, gnats, biting flies, fleas, chiggers and no-see-ums (biting midges) can carry. Those serious, potentially deadly diseases include Eastern equine, Western equine, St.Louis and La Crosse encephalitis, Lyme disease, malaria, dengue fever, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Human granulocytic ehrlichiosis and Babesiosis.