Mosquito repellent spray offers protection against mosquito borne diseases.
Mosquito repellent sprays are chemical or naturally derived concentrations that function to offer protection against a host of mosquito-borne diseases, such as yellow fever, malaria, encephalitis, filariasis and dengue fever. While most commercial mosquito repellent sprays provide adequate protection, they are associated with numerous side effects, including mouth ulcers, nausea and blisters/burning and must be used with caution. Does this Spark an idea?
Types
There are many types of mosquito repellent sprays, and each has a different purpose and degree of effectiveness. Some are sprayed directly into backyards, while others are applied over human skin. Mosquito repellent sprays are both chemical-based and made from naturally derived products. DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is the active ingredient in most chemical-based repellent sprays -- a chemical the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies as being safe for direct skin application. Natural mosquito repellent sprays include citronella essential oil, oil of lemon eucalyptus and cederwood-oil-based products.
Importance
Millions of people die from mosquito-borne diseases annually. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), malaria is one of the leading mosquito-borne diseases and is transmitted by female Anopheles mosquitoes. According to the OECD, 75 percent of the total population in Asia/Pacific countries are at risk of malaria, which translates into 24 million to 29 million cases annually. Female mosquitoes derive a protein from human and animal blood to help develop their eggs. Mosquito repellent sprays contain inhibitory substances that act on the gustation or olfactory senses of mosquitoes to repel them and, therefore, deter them from feeding on human blood.
Advantages
Most mosquito repellent sprays offer protection against mosquitoes, sandflies, ticks and leeches. They reduce exposure to the risk of potentially serious mosquito-borne viruses, such as the West Nile virus, malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever and Japanese encephalitis.
Disadvantages
While mosquito repellent sprays are effective in protecting against annoying mosquitoes, they have a number of disadvantages. Their effectiveness is short-lived (lasts only a few hours) and they have undesirable solvent action and odors. DEET-based mosquito repellent sprays are toxic upon ingestion and can cause coma, seizures and even death.
Precautions
Use mosquito repellent sprays sparingly and with caution. Use products that state "USDA Reg." or "EPA Reg." on the label. Do not use formulas that contain greater than 30 percent DEET on children. Read labels carefully and avoid products that contain the banned chemical compound R-11 (2 butylene or 2,3,4,5-Bis). Do not use mosquito repellent spray on scratches, cuts and broken skin. Do not spray directly into face or apply near the mouth and eyes. Discontinue use if skin rash develops.
Tags: repellent sprays, mosquito repellent, mosquito repellent sprays, mosquito-borne diseases, protection against, dengue fever