RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS OF CALLS TO POISON CONTROL CENTERS RESULTING FROM EXPOSURE TO THE INSECT REPELLENT N,N-DIETHYL-M-TOLUAMIDE (DEET) FROM 1985-1989

This study analyzed 9,086 human exposures involving N,N-diethyl-m-tolu amide-containing insect repellents that were reported to Poison Contro l Centers from 1985-1989. Nearly two-thirds of those exposed had no ad verse effects or only experienced minor symptoms that resolved rapidly . Symptoms were more likely to occur after ocular or inhalation exposu res and feast likely to occur if the product was ingested. The only re ported death occurred in a patient who suicidally ingested 8 oz of an insect repellent containing N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide. Five patients may have experienced a serious or potentially life-threatening effect but the poison center record did not provide unequivocal substantiation o f the effect or clearly establish M,N-diethyl-m-toluamide as the causa tive agent. From the analysis of those patients calling Poison Control Centers, it appears the risk of serious medical effects with the labe led use of N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide-containing insect repellents is low in comparison with its reported annual use by about 30% of Americans. For patients contacting Poison Control Centers, the occurrence of adv erse effects appears to be related to the route of exposure rather tha n age or gender of the patient or the concentration of N,N-diethyl-m-t oluamide in the product.