Abstract
DEET is an insect repellent that is used in products to prevent bites from insects such as mosquitoes, biting flies, fleas, and small flying insects. It is a member of the N,N-dialkylamide family of chemicals, practically insoluble in water, and soluble in ethanol and isopropanol, which are common solvents in repellent formulations containing DEET. It has a low order of acute toxicity by the oral, dermal, and inhalation routes of exposure. Based upon metabolic transformation reactions that have been observed in animal and human studies, at least two major metabolic pathways have been identified for DEET. One reaction involves oxidative hydroxylation of the aromatic methyl group in the meta-position, yielding N,N-diethyl-m-hydroxymethylbenzamide (BALC). The other major reaction involves dealkylation of an N-ethyl group, producing N-ethyl-m-toluamide (ET). Reports of significant dermal reactions have been infrequently reported from the normal use of DEET. Some case reports have described erythematous and bullous skin reactions occurring in healthy adults in association with the dermal application of DEET under conditions of occlusion. DEET was administered to animals orally, hence subcutaneously or intraperitoneally at or near lethal dose levels, the external validity of these findings to normal human exposure is limited.
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