Recieved some new products in the mail to try the other day, and I decided that it is wrong of me to not share my opinions here on the blog as well as elsewhere.
Today, I'll talk about the new OFF! brand products I was sent. Now I'm sure you all know I will have nothing to do with DEET, and I'm not a fan of OFF! brand one teeny tiny bit, mainly because none of their personal bug repellants are DEET free.
Well, they sent me their new repellant; OFF! Skintastic Family care Smooth & Dry. It is all sorts of DEETful, so of course I didn't try it. This new type is supposed to be all soft and not feel gross on your skin like "those other bug repellants". I wouldn't know, 'cause I'm against toxic chemicals on and around my family, and I refuse to even try it.
I also recieved their new OFF! Powerpad Lamp. I had never heard of the main ingredient; "d-cis trans allethrin", so I looked it up. I had promised Faith that she could have it if my research returned negative findings. Needless to say, this lovely chemical is also horribly toxic, and I won't allow that around my family either. Off is right, off it goes to it's new home!
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This web site says it short and sweet;
"D-cis/trans allethrin: eye and skin irritant. Can cause sudden swelling of face, eyelids, lips, mouth , and throat tissues, as well as hay fever-like symptoms. Neurotoxic. Use in some pet flea-control products.
deet: Eye and skin irritant. Sensitizer Neurotoxic. Readily absorbed into skin. Used in mosquito and insect repellents, as well as pet flea-control products."
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You may say, "But Kryistina, those reactions are the same as hayfeever and other common allergies, what's the big deal?"
Many of the reactions listed for these neurotoxins are similar to natural effects of being accidentally exposed to something while outdoors, however, people with those sensitivities aren't purposely exposing themselves to them, they actively avoid them.
What we are talking about here are deadly products that people choose to apply to their bodies, air, and enviornment.
When catnip oil works better than DEET at repelling mosquitoes in clinical studies, and lemon eucalyptus works almost as well and is available nationwide from mass retailers, I wonder why people continue to choose to poision themselves. *boggle*
Some people suggest spraying these chemicals on your clothes as opposed to your skin to minimize contact, and suggestions for minimal use as well as how to avoid excessive exposure are sound, but why expose oneself at all?
DEET has killed, very strong and healthy people, nearly instantly. The chemical in the Powerpad Lantern is only in two other consumer products to my knowlege at this time, and the concentration of it in the other two products is less than 2%, while the percentage in the lantern's little scent pad is over 20%. It horrifies me.
Reminder: I am a Buzzagent. I get products for free in order to try them and tell others what I think of them. Most things I get from Buzzagent, I just love, but this crud? I am nothing if not truthful. When I get a product to review, I review it. Good or bad my opinion may be, but if a company asks for a review from me, they can count on complete honesty.
I'm sure it works great for it's intended purpose, sure... This is just... eew!
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Comments: 14
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What kind of world do we want? To start, one with people chock full of integrity.
Great writing style. Thanks for clarifying.
Some great info thanks!
I don't usually use any insect repellents and don't get bit very often. I guess I may just stink. Maybe it's those more toxic cigarettes that I smoke that course through my blood. I know..I Know...it's a terrible habit. Hey, but maybe I won't die of Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
Seriously....When I used to go boating on the lake there were these vicious biting flies that looked like harmless houseflies. They would drill through the thickest layer of OFF, Skin-So-Soft, Cutter, etc. and leave you screaming in agony. If you were swimming they would attack those few square inches of face left exposed. A snorkle was the only escape. They were also able to ride in an open boat at 45 mph for miles without blowing out.
I went to the natural food store. Bought some stuff in a bottle that smelled like cloves and they left us alone. Hmmm (True story)
I wish I could remember the name of it.
marty
What works for you?
marty
I just had a similar discussion with my nephew about DEET, what it is and what it does. Good information!
I've never heard about the sheets repelling mosquitoes though.
I'm in the process of making my own insect repellent out of natural oils and plant extracts, but right now we use the Repel brand natural Lemon Eucalyptus lotion spray. It's available at big box retailers everywhere.
We have so much West Nile Virus around here one is literally putting their life in jeopardy by not using something.