Products that keep the annoying insects at bay before they sting are in demand. The consumer protection agency of the Upper Austrian Chamber of Labor (AK) has tested with “Die Umweltberatung” how well these sprays are tolerated by us. Nine out of 16 are recommended, five only conditionally and two are discouraged. Prices range from 3.65 to 19.75 euros per 100 milliliters.
- Also read: Doctor, am I allergic to mosquito stings?
The difference between the products is the active ingredient; three different ones were found in the sprays: Icaridin, Eucalyptus Citriodora Oil and DEET. They all work reliably, but the duration of use varies depending on the active ingredient and concentration and can be found on the label.
With regard to tolerability, the experts based their decision on the assessment of chemicals by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). The chemical-synthetic icaridin, developed in Europe in the 1990s, repels mosquitoes via a vapor barrier but does not kill them. According to the ECHA, it has the least harmful effect on health of all anti-mosquito agents. However, it should not be used on children under two years of age as it can irritate the eyes. The nine recommended products in the research work with icaridin.
- You might also be interested in: Why there are currently many mosquitoes in Upper Austria
Five articles – which are only recommended with some reservations – contain extracts of the essential oil Eucalyptus Citriodora (lemon eucalyptus). Its ingredients are potentially allergenic and can irritate the eyes. The two sprays that are not recommended contain DEET (diethyltoluamide), which irritates the skin and eyes. DEET can trigger cramps in sensitive people, such as those prone to epilepsy. The active ingredient also attacks plastic surfaces, such as those on sunglasses.
If you want to avoid chemicals, the advocacy group recommends wearing light, loose, long-sleeved and long-legged clothing outdoors, and insect screens on the windows and a mosquito net over the bed in bedrooms.
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