Evaluation of Pesticide Incident Report 2012-2245

Background

Pest control products are only registered by Health Canada's Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) for use if there is reasonable certainty that no harm will result from exposure to, or use of, the product as directed on the label. Health Canada collects incident reporting data under the authority of the Pest Control Products Act. If a pesticide manufacturer receives information about an incident involving one of their products, they are required by law to submit that information to Health Canada. It is important to note that the information presented in incident reports reflects the observations and opinion of the person reporting it, and does not include any assessment by Health Canada, nor does it confirm an association between the pesticide and the effects reported.

Health Canada considers the reported information to determine if there are potential health or environmental risks associated with a pesticide and, if necessary, takes corrective action. Such action could range from minor label changes to discontinuation of the product.

Incident Report 2012-2245

According to the report, an individual regularly used the personal insect repellent Deep Woods OFF! Pump Spray Insect Repellent (PCP 16283), containing the active ingredient DEET at 100%, during the summer in the 1980’s. In the mid 1990’s he was diagnosed with a rare form of nerve cancer (the type of cancer was not further specified). The product identified in this incident was discontinued in 2005 and is no longer registered for use in Canada.

In accordance with the Pest Control Products Incident Reporting Regulations classification system, this incident was classified as Human Major. This incident report can be requested through the PMRA electronic Public Registry on the Health Canada website.

Health Canada Evaluation

In this incident, the individual reported using a personal insect repellent over several summers, therefore it can be inferred that definite exposure to the product occurred. However, it is not known how frequently or for how many years the product was used.

There are no other reports of cancer in humans following exposure to personal insect repellents containing DEET, nor is there any evidence that DEET causes cancer in laboratory animals.

Health Canada Conclusion

Based on the available information, it is considered unlikely that the reported cancer is associated with the use of a personal insect repellent containing DEET, as there is no evidence available to indicate that DEET has the potential to cause cancer.

More information about the Pesticide Incident Reporting Program is available on the Health Canada Web site. Should you require further information please contact the Pesticide Incident Reporting Program.