What Happens If I Drink Mosquito Repellent?
Despite their effectiveness, mosquito repellents can be dangerous to your health if ingested in large quantities. In addition to causing irritation, they can cause nausea and vomiting. You can avoid these side effects by showering after applying an insect repellent.
The EPA lists many registered products, and you can find the best one for you using their search tool. There are several different types of repellents, such as DEET, para-menthane-diol, and oil of lemon eucalyptus. The severity of your problems depends on how much you ingest and the strength of the repellent.
Liquid mosquito repellent ingestion is a growing cause of hydrocarbon poisoning in urban households. It was found to be the most common accidental ingestion of hydrocarbons among children.
The study was published in the Indian Journal of Paediatrics. The researchers looked at 23 cases of accidental ingestion of liquid mosquito repellent. The majority of these cases happened during the summer months. Most of the children presented within six hours of their ingestion.
Although the study did not identify a causal relationship between liquid mosquito repellent ingestion and adverse health outcomes, it suggests that it may be an important contributing factor. Increasing awareness about the risks and proper storage of insect repellents could reduce the risk of harm.
For instance, one of the products used in the study, permethrin, is used to treat camping gear, clothing, and bug nets. It is also used to kill other insects. However, it is important to note that the repellent may be more effective if it is applied after other treatments.