인민 약국: 모기에 물리지 않도록 어린이 보호하기

QUESTION: What mosquito repellents are safe for kids? I seem to remember that you have written about problems with DEET.

ANSWER: DEET, or N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide, has been controversial for decades. It was developed by the U.S. military shortly after World War II to protect troops from dengue, malaria and other tropical diseases carried by mosquitoes. In 1957, it was released on the consumer market. DEET is effective in repelling ticks as well as mosquitoes, so it can help protect youngsters from Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever as well as West Nile virus.

지난 몇 년 동안 어린 아이들에게서 신경학적 반응이 나타났다는 보고가 몇 건 있었습니다(Human & Experimental Toxicology, 2001년 1월). 미국 질병통제예방센터와 환경보호국은 모두 부모가 라벨의 지침을 따르는 한 DEET는 안전하다고 말합니다.

If you prefer to avoid DEET, there are effective alternatives. Pediatrician Alan Greene recommends picaridin-containing products, such as Natrapel and Sawyer, on his website www.DrGreene.com.

Products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus are also effective and considered safe for children. Consumer Reports suggests that adults should apply insect repellent to their own hands and then rub it on children’s exposed skin.

Explore more ways to protect your kids from mosquito bites by reading the complete article written by Joe and Teresa Graedon.