The summer season is a time for relaxation and fun in the sun! There aren’t many things that can get you down on a hot sunny day, or a night chilling around the campfire.

Except maybe mosquitoes.

We tend to reach for DEET and other chemical sprays as the most common option for protection against mosquito bites. But exposure to these products can lead to some uncomfortable and even dangerous side effects.

Here are some facts about DEET you may not be aware of:

1) The CDC advises that DEET be sprayed on clothing only, not directly on skin, as it can be absorbed into our bloodstream, and then processed by the liver. It should not be sprayed over cuts, wounds, or on broken or irritated skin. If applied directly to flesh, it must be washed off with soap and water as soon as possible.

2). DEET and other chemicals are not suitable for young children, as spray can get on their hands, putting them at risk for ingestion when their hands go in their mouth. There have also been concerns about seizures and toxic encephalopathy in children exposed to DEET, based on certain reports and studies. 3). Allergic reactions, sensitivity, and skin irritation are common side effects of chemical repellents.

4) While most reports say small amounts of DEET should be safe, studies regarding toxicity and long-term health problems associated with its use (such as cancer) are limited, or else provide conflicting evidence. Some are inconclusive.

“Scientists have not yet studied whether DEET in the air can be absorbed into your lungs after inhalation. It is absorbed through the skin and digestive tract, so it is likely that DEET can also be absorbed through the lungs and into the blood.” - ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry) associated with CDC, 2015.

5) No studies have been conducted on the cumulative effect of DEET and bug repellents combined with other chemical products commonly used, such as sunscreen, moisturizer, etc.

Given the risks and conflicting information available, many are looking for a safer, non-chemical option when it comes to repelling mosquitoes. A nopixgo® wristband is the very latest in lab-tested Biopulse® technology and it’s the ultimate non-toxic defence against mosquito bites.

The nopixgo® band uses a series of mild electromagnetic waves to change the mosquito’s behaviour. The insect identifies these signals as a storm warning, and as its focus changes from feeding to seeking shelter, it becomes much less aggressive about biting.

The band’s signal has a 2-metre radius and it runs on a long-life rechargeable battery that lasts up to 5 days. It can be worn on the wrist or attached to gear, and is available in six colours: Grey, Blue, Green, Orange, White, and Pink. Nopixglobal is the Swiss-based company behind the science of nopixgo®. Their team spent years of laboratory study tracking the activity of mosquitoes and the effectiveness of EM waves to modify their behaviour. The results were impressive, proving to reduce mosquito bites by almost 95%, and the patented Biopulse® technology was created.

To order, or find out more, please click the link:
https://www.nopixgocanada.com/products/nopixgo-mosquito-protection-wristband

Mosquito-borne viruses are a legitimate and increasing concern, as is the toxic load of combining chemical ingredients. If you’re uncomfortable using DEET repellents or have experienced sensitivities from chemical products, the nopixgo® wristband is an amazing non-toxic, long-term solution in the prevention of mosquito bites. For more details on DEET, please visit this link for a complete Public Health Statement by the ATSDR (Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry), the American federal health agency affiliated with the CDC:
https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/phs/phs.asp?id=1447&tid=201

Additional resources on the risks of DEET (this article contains links to studies):
https://time.com/5347546/is-deet-safe/