Re-evaluation Decision Document: Personal insect repellents containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide and related compounds)

15 April 2002
ISBN: 0-662-31924-9
Catalogue Number: H113-12/2002-1E-IN
(RRD2002-01)

To obtain an electronic copy of the document, Re-evaluation Decision Document: Personal insect repellents containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide and related compounds), please contact our publications office.

Should you require further information please contact the Pest Management Information Service.

Summary

This publication documents the conclusions of the Pest Management Regulatory Agency's re-evaluation of personal insect repellents containing DEET. The following is a brief summary of how the re-evaluation decisions apply to the safe use of DEET as an insect repellent for adults and children.

Children:

Children under 6 months of age

• DO NOT use personal insect repellents containing DEET on infants. (Advice unchanged)

Children aged 6 months to 2 years

• In situations where a high risk of complications from insect bites exist, the use of one application per day of DEET may be considered for this age group.
• The least concentrated product (10% DEET or less) should be used. (New advice.)
• The product should be applied sparingly and not be applied to the face and hands.
• Prolonged use should be avoided.

Children between 2-12 years of age

• The least concentrated product (10% DEET or less) should be used.
• Do not apply more than three times per day. (New advice) Do not apply to the face and hands.
• Prolonged use should be avoided.

Adults and Individuals 12 Years of Age or Older:

Products containing DEET at concentrations above 30% will no longer be acceptable for registration, based on a human health risk assessment that considered daily application of DEET over a prolonged period of time. Studies show that products with lower concentrations of DEET are as effective as the high concentration products, but they remain so for shorter periods of time. Products containing no more than a 30% concentration of DEET will provide adults with sufficient protection. (New advice)