CDC admits essential oil may be as effective as DEET for mosquitoes?

CDC admits essential oil may be as effective as DEET for mosquitoes?

by Healthier Talk

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta may have finally admitted that products using oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE or PMD) can provide longer lasting protection against mosquitoes, just as the toxic chemical bug repellent DEET does.

Mosquitoes can spread dangerous, and sometimes deadly, diseases including West Nile virus, different types of encephalitis and Zika. Now when you visit the CDC website page on West Nile two different publications list oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE or PMD) as providing longer lasting protection as well.

More on that in a moment. But first let’s take a closer look at DEET.

Troubling side effects from DEET insect repellant

DEET is an effective mosquito deterrent, however, despite the Environmental Protection Agency’s seal of approval to spray the stuff on our bodies, there are some serious concerns about the potential side effects of this chemical.

Some studies have found the chemical repellent to have few side effects, while others point to troubling reactions. In one early study done in the 1980s the effects of DEET were studied on employees of the Everglades National Park.

One quarter of the folks complained of negative side effects including…
• skin irritation
• rashes,
• numb or burning lips,
• headaches,
• dizziness,
• nausea,
• and difficulty concentrating.

DEET has been shown to affect the central nervous system in animal experiments. In one study, animals exposed to the equivalent of a human dose performed more poorly on muscle coordination tests.

According to one Duke University researcher, exposure to the chemical caused brain cell death and behavioral changes in animals.

When applied to the skin a certain percentage of DEET is absorbed into the bloodstream. And the toxicity of the chemical goes up when it’s combined with isopropyl alcohol or freon, both of which are common ingredients in commercial bug repellents.

The EPA recommends washing the spray away as soon as you return indoors and to avoid breathing it in. In fact, DEET products are required to carry several child safety warnings.

So although it’s important to note that if the risk of West Nile is high, oil of lemon eucalyptus (para-menthane-diol) may still not be the best choice, if you’re looking for a safer alternative for everyday use, OLE may fit the bill.

CDC recommends oil of lemon eucalyptus to repel mosquitoes

Two publications offered on the CDC website now say some oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE or para-menthane-diol) products provide longer-lasting protection as well against mosquitoes that can spread West Nile Virus.

The agency’s “West Nile Virus Fact Sheet” now states… Natural Mosquito Repellent

“When outdoors, use repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, some oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol. Follow the directions on the package.”

And on the CDC “West Nile Virus Prevention & Control” page the agency says…

“Avoid Mosquito Bites: Use insect repellents when you go outdoors. Repellents containing DEET, pic aridin, IR3535, and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide longer-lasting protection.”

Concerned consumers who want protection against mosquitoes and other biting bugs may now be able to turn to products made with oil of lemon eucalyptus (or para-menthane-diol). Oil of lemon eucalyptus has been shown to provide protection that’s similar to low concentration of DEET in two studies. Which is great news because this safer, non-toxic alternative could be a far better choice for you and your own family for everyday use.

We’ll be keeping a close eye on the situation to see if PMD products continue to be recommended. Although elsewhere on the CDC site it still states that essential oils do not provide the same level of protection, we’re happy to see the CDC is now willing to list lemon eucalyptus (OLE or para-menthane-diol) among products that can offer longer-lasting protection. For folks who prefer a repellent with a botanical base OLE may be an effective option.

References:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: West Nile virus www.cdc.gov/westnile
2. CDC: West Nile Virus Fact Sheet www.cdc.gov/westnile/resources/pdfs/wnvFactsheet_508
3. CDC “West Nile Virus Prevention & Control” www.cdc.gov/westnile/prevention
4. Zika virus ‘a game-changer’ for mosquito-borne diseases www.sciencedaily.com
5. The Hazards of DEET www.environmentalhealth.ca
6. Lemon Eucalyptus Oil: An Insect-Repelling Power www.mercola.com

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Our goal at AHP is to bring you information you find interesting, relevant and thought-provoking. Our motto is the way we live...it’s “Feel Well. Live Well. Age Well.” And that’s what we want for you! This article focused on nutrition and our office in Norwalk offers nutritional counseling in addition to Chiropractic, Physical Therapy, Acupuncture, Managed Weight-Loss and Massage. If you have a question about this article or want to learn more about us please visit www.AHP-Health.com and reach out to us! And look for more from AHP in the near future as we post more on The Patch. If you liked this article, please give us a ”like” and share it with your friends!

About AHP
Since 1990, Advanced Health Professionals [AHP] has helped thousands of patients recover from pain and injury. AHP is Norwalk and Fairfield County’s leading provider of Physical Therapy, Chiropractic, Acupuncture and Massage services. We specialize in sports injuries, auto accident injuries, worker’s compensation, work injury, sport injury, auto accident injury, massage therapy, post-surgical, pre-surgical, back pain, hip pain, knee pain, joint pain, shoulder pain, elbow pain, wrist pain, rehab, neck pain, whiplash injury, rehabilitation - please call us for an immediate appointment. Our office is based in Norwalk and serves the surrounding areas of Fairfield County, Westchester County and other suburbs of New York City.