Mosquito Repellents – Are They Safe?

Is it Safe to Use Mosquito Repellents?

The use of mosquito repellents is increasing vastly and becoming an indispensable part of our Good Night routine. Most of us have grown into adults snuggling to sleep sniffing the pungent aroma of mosquito repellents. What about those who are not yet present in this world or are on their way? Yes, the reference here is to the expecting moms, newborns, and infants!

Mosquitoes can be really annoying and they can be very dangerous. Research studies suggest that chemicals in mosquito repellents are not safe for inhalation and can cause serious breathing problems, or trigger allergic reactions. In large doses, these chemicals can be fatal to inhale and may even cause cancer

Is it Safe to Use Mosquito Repellents During Pregnancy?

Mosquitoes can cause life-threatening diseases such as Chikungunya, dengue, and malaria. If an expecting mother contracts one of these conditions during pregnancy, it can harm the fetus and the health of the baby. When you directly apply a repellent onto your skin in the form of cream or lotion, 5-10% of it will directly get into the bloodstream and may reach the fetus.

This is a very meager amount and there are no side effects such as birth abnormalities due to this. However, care should be taken because some people may be allergic to DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), the very common active ingredient in repellents.

On the other hand, there has been a study that has linked the use of the so-called safe DEET-based mosquito repellents in the first trimester and birth abnormalities in male babies. Although the study is still in the elementary stages, the condition called Hypospadias (difficulty opening the penis or foreskin) has been identified in male babies whose mothers used repellents in the first three months of pregnancy.

The evidence is mixed. A study conducted in Thailand observed no harmful effects such as neurological or dermatological abnormalities in the babies whose mothers used mosquito repellents during pregnancy or breastfeeding. So the basic idea is if you must use the repellents as per the written instructions and in moderation.

[Read: 5 Harmful Chemicals You Need To Avoid During Pregnancy]

Tips to Use Mosquito Repellents During Pregnancy

Avoid using chemical-based repellents during the last critical months of pregnancy. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Follow these tips while using mosquito repellent during pregnancy:

• Try to cover maximum areas of the body with clothing, preferably light color, cotton clothes! Mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors
• Apply repellent to clothes and in surroundings rather than something directly onto your skin
• Opt for natural or herbal remedies for getting rid of mosquitoes, such as burning an earthen lamp containing neem oil or applying citronella oil.
• Do not spray anything that ends up on the face. The aerosol sprays can enter the lungs and your eyes as well.

Is it Safe to Use Mosquito Repellents With Babies and Infants?

The cheap and easily available mosquito coils emit a lot of smoke and an unpleasant smell. This smoke may lead to various respiratory disorders such as asthma and cough along with allergic reactions. Also, since most of us close doors and windows during the night to prevent any nasty intruders and mosquitoes, the constantly burning coil may cause suffocation to young babies and kids.

Though many of them are safe for babies over 2 months of age, it is recommended not to use the same for babies less than 2 months. In fact, kids should not be exposed to mosquito repellents with more than 30% DEET. If you are using a mosquito coil or a plug-in mosquito repellent, below safety tips must be exercised:

• It always helps to use a product as per the instructions on the box.
• When you do use the repellent, make your baby sit or sleep in the other room.
• Do not sleep with the baby with the mosquito repellent burning all night.
• Make sure that you do not use a repellent more than once a day.
• Dress your baby in full sleeved, light color clothing as mosquitoes are attracted to dark colors.
• Easy-to-apply mosquito repellent creams are also available in the market. If you do use them, then use them on the clothes, and never on the skin.
• If using other mosquito repellents, do not spray them near their faces.
• Also, do not apply anything on their hands or play with things and accessories such as teething rings which they are most likely to put in their mouth.
• Cover the babies as much as possible.
• Opt for fragrance-free baby products – perfume attracts mosquitoes!
• For babies, consider applying cream on the clothes, rather than on the skin as the chemicals may irritate their delicate skin.
• The most important point is to thoroughly wash your hands with soap after handling the repellents. Never ever ingest these!

Infant Safety From Mosquito Repellents

Infants are great crawlers and explorers. The electric vaporizers if installed at a low level may attract infants. These vaporizers emit mosquito repellents in the form of a slightly aromatic smell in the air. The downside is that they heat up quite quickly and may pose a burning hazard to infants who touch them.

Using Mosquito Nets in Place of Mosquito Repellents

Spare the babies and infants from these chemical overdoses and purchase mosquito nets. Nowadays mosquito nets come in various colors, sizes and designs so you can easily incorporate them into your decor! The new generation of children is anyway turning out with weakened immune systems. They prefer to stay indoors, sit glued to the television or mobile phone screens. And the bacteria/virus strains are becoming increasingly resistant to drugs. Therefore, it is your responsibility to protect your kids as much as you can. Anything you do may directly or indirectly harm them.

[Read: How to Increase Immunity in Babies?]

Natural and Safe Mosquito Repellents

Some safe and natural mosquito repellents that you can use are:

• Burning eucalyptus, lemongrass, or citronella candles where the baby cannot reach them wards off the mosquitoes.
• Lavender candles can also help.
• Install mosquito meshes and use mosquito nets.
• Shift your Tulsi plant near the window – yes, some plants prevent mosquitoes buzzing around!
• Burning earthen lamps containing neem oil also benefits in keeping mosquitoes at bay.
• Cut and sprinkle garlic in the outdoor living area. It is a very natural way to repel mosquitoes.
• Catnip is an effective mosquito repellent. Nepetalactone, one of its main active constituents, was found to be 10 times stronger than even DEET.
• Observe basic rules of hygiene, no stagnant water, no filth, and keep mosquitoes away from your dwelling!

FAQ’s

1. Can I Spray Mosquito Repellant on My 6 Month Old?

No, it is not advisable. There are sprays designed for small babies. However, spraying it on their clothes is safer.

2. Are Mosquito Repellants 100% Effective?

No, they are not. They work for a while to keep the mosquitoes away. You may have to reapply.

3. Can I Use Adult Mosquito Repellant on My Child in Case of an Emergency?

No, don’t. It is not safe for them. If you must, use it sparingly on their clothes.

4. Which is the Best Place to Keep a Mosquito Coil in My Baby’s Room?

Keep it as far away as possible. Ensure it is out of reach. Keep it away from clothes.

Read Also: Teaching Children The Importance Of Hand Washing