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DEET overview.
Name (Merck Index): N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide
Used for control of: Insects pests of humans: DEET is a broadly effective insect repellent.
Trade names: Amincene, Autan, Blockade, Chemform, Delphene, Detamide, Flypel, Metadelphene, Naugatuck DET, Off, Repper DET, Repudin Special
Available for distribution as: Usually as aerosol or pump sprays, towelletes, creams and lotions or liquid.
Manufacturers: DEET is incorporated into a wide range of commercial products by secondary manufacturers.
Risk to humans and mammals: DEET has a good safety record, but it must be used with care. Use only on exposed skin and do not use a stronger preparation than necessary. Wash it off upon going indoors. Do not use it on children under 2 years old. Swallowing DEET can cause neurological damage, especially in the young. Do not use it on irritated skin or open wounds.
Risk and Hazard Warnings
  • Harmful if swallowed
  • Irritating to eyes and skin
  • Keep out of reach of children
Warning Symbols
First Aid Rinse affected area thoroughly with water
Risk to other animals: Toxicity to mammals and birds is low.
Risk to plants: No information.
Other comments: DEET was developed by the US Army in the period following World War II and it has worked on improving formaulation and use ever since. It no longer uses a highly concentrated(100%) solution in alcohol for safety reasons, but uses a 30% solution. Avoid 100% solutions. DEET is usually supplied in a solvent base and it can damage plastics and synthetic fabrics.
Chemical Structure:
Chemical Abstracts name: Benzamide, N,N-diethyl-3-methyl-
Registry number
(CAS#):
134-62-3
IUPAC name: N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide
RTECS number: XS3675000
Chemical properties: Insoluble in water, soluble in alcohol, ether and benzene
Other trivial names: Bepper DET, DET, DETA, Skedadle
Pesticides can only be regarded as safe if used in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
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