OTC Drugs: Bug repellents
Earlier this month we started a series on sustainable drug use -- which was fun and all -- but we realized a more practical guide might be in order. With that in mind, here's everything we know about common over-the-counter remedies. To view all the posts in this series, go here.
Sure, the EPA says DEET is safe. If you abide by the long list of stipulations for applying DEET to your skin via whatever bug repellent you're using. Don't apply to kids' faces or hands. Wash it off after you come inside. Wash your clothing. Don't apply underneath your clothing. Yada, yada, yada.
Well, when you're a parent of a 3-year-old, you can't be worried about these details. I don't want to worry about whether a speck of repellent gets on my daughter's face or if, God forbid, she touches the stuff. And if we have to be so goddamn careful, doesn't that mean the stuff is probably dangerous? And shouldn't we be worried about washing this stuff down the drain or inhaling particulates thanks to West Nile hysteria and subsequent spraying. After all, the stuff is toxic. And, as it turns out, detectable in ground water.
I know what some of you are thinking. DEET works. And I'll do anything, including risk my health and that of the planet to avoid being eaten my mosquitoes and scratching my skin raw. And you actually believe you might contract West Nile. Well, there are a few options.
If you want to simply reduce pollution and risk, you might try Ultrathon, initially developed by 3M for the US Military to repel mosquitoes troops encounter. The company claims unique technology provides longer lasting protection with less DEET.If you want to eliminate pollution and risk, check out these tips. Or, you can let the bugs bite and worry about it later with this homeopathic remedy that works way better than paraben-laced calamine lotion. I swear.
Sure, the EPA says DEET is safe. If you abide by the long list of stipulations for applying DEET to your skin via whatever bug repellent you're using. Don't apply to kids' faces or hands. Wash it off after you come inside. Wash your clothing. Don't apply underneath your clothing. Yada, yada, yada.
Well, when you're a parent of a 3-year-old, you can't be worried about these details. I don't want to worry about whether a speck of repellent gets on my daughter's face or if, God forbid, she touches the stuff. And if we have to be so goddamn careful, doesn't that mean the stuff is probably dangerous? And shouldn't we be worried about washing this stuff down the drain or inhaling particulates thanks to West Nile hysteria and subsequent spraying. After all, the stuff is toxic. And, as it turns out, detectable in ground water.
I know what some of you are thinking. DEET works. And I'll do anything, including risk my health and that of the planet to avoid being eaten my mosquitoes and scratching my skin raw. And you actually believe you might contract West Nile. Well, there are a few options.
If you want to simply reduce pollution and risk, you might try Ultrathon, initially developed by 3M for the US Military to repel mosquitoes troops encounter. The company claims unique technology provides longer lasting protection with less DEET.If you want to eliminate pollution and risk, check out these tips. Or, you can let the bugs bite and worry about it later with this homeopathic remedy that works way better than paraben-laced calamine lotion. I swear.
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