Pesticides

Q: When buying an insect repellent for children, how much DEET is harmful?

A: DEET is one of the most common ingredients in insect repellants.  DEET is absorbed through the skin.  In high concentrations, DEET can have harmful side effects.  The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that repellents should contain no more than 30% DEET when used on children.  Insect repellents are not recommended for children younger than 2 months.  Always read the label before using any repellent.