Risk assessments for the insect repellents DEET and picaridin

Abstract

a b s t r a c tFor the use of topical insect repellents, DEET and picaridin, human health risk assessments were conducted for various population subgroups. Acute, subchronic, and chronic dermal exposures were examined. No-observed-effect-levels (NOELs) of 200, 300, and 100 mg/kg body weight (BW) were used as endpoints for DEET for acute, subchronic, and chronic exposures, respectively. For picaridin, a NOEL of 2000 mg/kg BW/day for acute exposure and a NOEL of 200 mg/kg BW/day for subchronic and chronic exposures were used. Daily exposures to several population subgroups were estimated. Risks were characterized using the Margin of Exposure (MOE) method (NOEL divided by the estimated exposure), whereby estimated MOEs were compared to an MOE of 100. Estimates of daily exposures ranged from 2 to 59 mg/kg BW/day for DEET and 2 to 22 mg/kg BW/day for picaridin. Children had the lowest MOEs. However, none of the estimated exposures exceeded NOELs for either repellent. At 40% DEET for acute exposure, children 612 years had MOEs below 100. For subchronic and chronic exposures children at P25% DEET and at 15% picaridin had MOEs below 100. Therefore, we found no significant toxicological risks from typical usage of these topical insect repellents.

Net Risk: A Risk Assessment of Long-Lasting Insecticide Bed Nets Used for Malaria Management

“…Although our focus in this paper was the risks presented by the LLINs when used in malaria management in Africa, our risk assessment model also can be used to make risk-benefit decisions for use of LLINs for many insect vector-borne diseases and nuisance situations. Elsewhere, we have conducted and reported the results of risk assessments that address other insect vector management tactics, such as insecticide-impregnated clothing, 6 biological control, 31 repellents, 32 and outdoor space applications of insecticides. 6,[33][34][35][36][37][38][39] These studies, with the LLIN risk assessment presented here, can provide regulatory authorities and others with information for making improved risk-benefit decisions about personal protective measures and insect management tactics.…”

A review of recommendations on the safe and effective use of topical mosquito repellents

“…There are many and varied registered DEET formulations available, ranging from less than 10% through to 80% concentration. There is a considerable body of scientific work supporting their safety and effectiveness 7,9 , with laboratory and field investigations demonstrating that DEET effectively protects against a range of nuisance-biting and vector mosquito species in Australia. 10 …”

“…9,10 Registered formulations range in concentration from 9% to 20%. Alongside DEET, it has been widely recommended by health authorities internationally.…”

“…However, a number of studies that investigated health risks associated with use of topical DEET-based repellents found that, if used as recommended, it poses minimal health risk. 9,16 Although the safety of picaridin has not been investigated to the same extent as DEET, it is also considered a safe product to use. 17 DEET and picaridin are considered safe to use for pregnant and breastfeeding women.…”

Introduction: Personal Care Products in the Aquatic Environment

“…As some insects act as vector for some diseases, using insect repellents is critical when other forms of protection are not available. They are widely used in tropical regions, being able to heavily influence the infection rates of some pathogens [92]. There is little information about their long-term effects in the aquatic environment; however, they have been detected worldwide in wastewaters, groundwater, surface and drinking water [91,[93][94][95].…”