| Citronella
oil
overview. |
| Name (Merck Index):
|
Citronella oil |
| Used for control
of: |
Insect pests of humans:
citronella oil is a moderately effective insect repellent. |
| Trade names: |
Often used in combinations
with other plant oils in products such as Buzz Away, Green Ban, and Skin-So-Soft. |
| Available for distribution
as: |
In candles and skin
lotions. |
| Manufacturers: |
Widely manufactured. |
| Risk
to humans and mammals: |
Minimal |
| Risk
and Hazard Warnings |
None
found. |
| Warning Symbols |
None |
| First
Aid |
Wash
with water or soap and water if necessary. |
| Risk to other animals: |
None |
| Risk to plants: |
None |
| Other comments: |
Citronella oil is extracted
from the grass Cymbopogon nardus, which is also known as oil grass.
It is a safe, but not particularly effective repellent that can be used
around children and animals without concern. The oil is a mixture of terpenes
of which the major component is citronellal (shown below). |
| Chemical Structure: |
 |
| Chemical Abstracts
name: |
None |
Registry number
(CAS#): |
None |
| IUPAC name: |
None |
| RTECS
number: |
None |
| Chemical properties: |
A light aromatic oil. |
| Other trivial names: |
None. |
| Pesticides can only
be regarded as safe if used in accordance with the manufacturer's
instructions. |