Is Bug Spray Bad For You?
Also Known As: insect repellent
Short answer
Bug spray is safe and effective when used properly, but can cause nasty side effects if swallowed, inhaled, or applied to the skin in high concentrations.
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Bug spray is used to protect against bites from mosquitoes, black flies, ticks, and many other insects that carry diseases. These include Lyme, encephalitis, West Nile virus, dengue fever, and malaria-- the consequences of which are much more severe than an itchy bump. But how safe are bug sprays overall?
The active ingredient most commonly used is DEET, or N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide. When applied directly to the skin, DEET can cause redness, itchiness, and hives-- not unlike a mosquito bite itself. To avoid this, you should spray the product onto your clothes instead of your skin. If DEET is swallowed, it can cause symptoms ranging from stomach irritation, nausea and vomiting, to hypotension and bradycardia (low blood pressure and low heart rate, respectively). The latter may be more of a concern with small children, so be sure to store the bottle out of reach.
Other forms of bug spray use pyrethrin as their active ingredient. This too can cause problems when used incorrectly. If inhaled, it can result in coughing and trouble breathing, and vomiting, seizures, and tremors if swallowed. Pyrethrin is generally seen in cheaper versions of repellent, and should be a second choice to DEET. Bug sprays with DEET are relatively safe when used sparingly and as instructed, and do a great job of protecting you against potentially life-threatening diseases. So, while it may seem like it does more harm than good, just remember: as long as you use it properly you have nothing to fear.
Possible short-term side effects
- itchiness (if applied to skin)
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redness (if applied to skin)
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hives (if applied to skin)
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coughing (if inhaled)
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difficulty breathing (if inhaled)
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nausea (if swallowed)
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vomiting (if swallowed)
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hypotension (if swallowed)
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bradycardia (if swallowed)
Possible long-term side effects
- burns / scarring (excessive use on skin)
Ingredients to be aware of
Benefits
- prevents diseases carried by insects
Healthier alternatives
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Written by Lindsay
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by Lindsay
Published on: 12-29-2015
Last updated: 12-10-2016
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