Hazardous Substances Data Bank,
National Library of Medicine, Bethesda, MD.
http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/
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DEET
CASRN: 134-62-3
For other data, click on the Table of Contents
Human Health Effects:
Human Toxicity Excerpts:
UNDILUTED CMPD MAY IRRITATE MUCOUS MEMBRANES BUT REPELLENT
CONCENTRATIONS CAN BE APPLIED SAFELY TO SKIN; DAILY APPLICATION
TO FACE AND ARMS FOR 5 CONSECUTIVE DAYS GAVE ONLY MILD
IRRITATION.
[Spencer, E. Y. Guide to the Chemicals Used in Crop Protection. 7th ed. Publication
1093. Research Institute, Agriculture Canada, Ottawa, Canada: Information Canada,
1982. 165]**PEER REVIEWED**
/IT IS/ IRRITANT TO EYES, MUCOUS MEMBRANES ... INGESTION CAN CAUSE
CNS DISTURBANCES.
[The Merck Index. 10th ed. Rahway, New Jersey: Merck Co., Inc., 1983. 412]**PEER
REVIEWED**
CHILD EXPOSED TO PRODUCT CONTAINING M-DET EXPERIENCED
DISORIENTATION, STAGGERING GAIT, SLURRED SPEECH AND EPISODES
CONSISTING OF STIFFENING INTO SITTING POSITION, CRYING OUT,
EXTENDING EXTREMITIES, FLEXING FINGERS AND DORSIFLEXING TOES.
[Weast, R.C. (ed.). Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 64th ed. Boca Raton, Florida:
CRC Press Inc., 1983-84.,p. II-346]**PEER REVIEWED**
A five-yr-old girl, sprayed with DEET nightly for three months, developed headaches
and slurred speech, progressing to athetosis, shaking, screaming, and convulsions. She
died 24 days after hospitalization. At autopsy the brain showed generalized edema with
intense congestion of meninges. There was no demyelination and no evidence of
meningitis. An 18-mo-old child who ingested an unknown quantity of a liquid prepn of
DET exhibited similar signs and symptoms but eventually recovered.
[Gosselin, R.E., R.P. Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products.
5th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984.,p. II-346]**PEER REVIEWED**
Seizures and acute behavior change developed in an 8 yr old girl following exposure to
Muskol and Off insect repellents. She recovered within 3 days with supportive treatment;
including anticonvulsant (phenytoin) medication. The assumed toxic agent was N,Ndiethyltoluamide.
[Roland EH et al; Can Med Assoc J 132 (2): 155-56 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**
One patient who was accidentally sprayed in the eye with OFF had immediate smarting
sensation which subsided rapidly when he flushed his eye with water. Two hr later the
only abnormality was fine gray stippling of the corneal epithelium with tiny gray dots in
the palpebral fissure. Vision at that time was reduced from 20/15 to 20/20. The eye
returned rapidly to normal.
[Grant, W.M. Toxicology of the Eye. 3rd ed. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas
Publisher, 1986. 338]**PEER REVIEWED**
This is a case report of a 6-yr-old girl who extensively used an insect repellent containing
N,N-diethyltoluamide (DET; DEET). The family history and tests performed on the
child indicated that the girl was deficient in ornithine carbamoyl transferase (OCT). This
deficiency was apparently agitated by the extensive use of DET. Phthalyl alcohol was
identified in the child's liver at least 10 days after administration.
[Heick HMC et al; J Pediatr 97 (3): 471-3 (1980)]**PEER REVIEWED**
BULLOUS ERUPTIONS, SKIN NECROSIS, & PROLONGED DISABILITY WAS
REPORTED IN MILITARY PERSONNEL IN SOUTH VIETNAM. ALTHOUGH AN
INSECT HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY THOUGHT WHOLLY THE CULPRIT,
DIETHYL TOLUAMIDE, INSECT REPELLENT USED PRODUCES SIMILAR
ERUPTIONS. CAUTION ADVISED.
[LAMBERG SI, MULRENNAN JA; ARCH DERMATOL 100 (5): 582-6
(1969)]**PEER REVIEWED**
A 42 year old woman with no prior atopic history touched a companion who had just
sprayed himself with repellent containing 52% deet. Generalized pruritus rapidly
developed and progressed to generalized angioedema. The woman became nauseated and
unconscious en route to hospital, where her blood pressure was found to be 70/40 mm
Hg. She responded to treatment with epinephrine, diphenhydramine, and in
corticosteroids. Periorbital edema developed after another exposure to deet I week later.
In a controlled setting, a small amount of deet in isopropyl alcohol was applied to the
patient's forearm. Pruritus occurred in the treated area within 15 sec and or progressed to
localized urticaria despite immediate washing of the arm. The patient was treated with
epinephrine and diphenhydramine when she reported pruritis of lips and the contralateral
arm. She responded to therapy, but the localized urticaria lasted for over 1 hr. Isopropyl
alcohol alone elicited non response.
[Hayes, W.J., Jr., E.R. Laws, Jr., (eds.). Handbook of Pesticide Toxicology. Volume 3.
Classes of Pesticides. New York, NY: Academic Press, Inc., 1991. 1503]**PEER
REVIEWED**
A 35 year old woman presumed allergy reaction to insect when she had used several
repellents on frequent camping trips and noticed that a "red, raised lesion" appeared about
30 min after application. Open patch testing on the forearm with "pure" deet revealed,
within 20 min, a macular erythema that evolved into a wheal-and-flare response. Similar
tests with dimethyl phthalate and butopyronoxyl were negative. The response was
passively transferred, suggesting a possible immunologic mechanism. It was indicated
that this particular case of contact urticaria was of immediate-type hypersensitivity (stage
1).
[Hayes, W.J., Jr., E.R. Laws, Jr., (eds.). Handbook of Pesticide Toxicology. Volume 3.
Classes of Pesticides. New York, NY: Academic Press, Inc., 1991. 1503]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Several cases of a deet-associated toxic encephalopathy have been reported in young
females. A 3.5 year old girl suffered a bizarre illness after all of a 180 ml aerosol can of
deet had been used each evening for 2 weeks to spray her and her night clothes and
bedding. Because of this exposure and because careful medical examination failed to
suggest any other cause, the possibility was considered that deet was the cause. However,
it was pointed out that, even if the child had absorbed all of the deet discharged from the
aerosol can, the dosage of active e ingredient would have been only 0.14 ml/kg/day, a
level tolerated by animals. The signs were disorientation, staggering gait, slurred speech,
and episodes consisting of stiffening into a sitting position, crying out, extending the
extremities, flexing the fingers, and dorsiflexing the toes. Therapy, which began 1 day
after onset, was symptomatic. Recovery was complete in 4 days.
[Hayes, W.J., Jr., E.R. Laws, Jr., (eds.). Handbook of Pesticide Toxicology. Volume 3.
Classes of Pesticides. New York, NY: Academic Press, Inc., 1991. 1503]**PEER
REVIEWED**
A 30 year old man following self-medication with 75% deet for a papular, truncal,
erythematous rash that was later diagnosed as pityriasis rosea. It was his recollection that
he had used deet successfully to treat a similar condition 4 years previously. Beginning 2
weeks prior to admission to the hospital, he daily applied deet on one side of his body
and entered a homemade sauna for 60-90 min; he emerged from the sauna, treated the
other side of his body, and reentered the sauna for another 60-90 min. This procedure was
continued for 1 week. He was occasionally lethargic and incoherent following the deetsauna treatment. Four days prior to admission, he developed marked personality changes
that included delusions of grandeur and verbal aggressivity. He became more irritable
and belligerent and was admitted to the hospital, where he required seclusion because of
his violent behavior. His condition worsened and was diagnosed as acute manic
psychosis.
[Hayes, W.J., Jr., E.R. Laws, Jr., (eds.). Handbook of Pesticide Toxicology. Volume 3.
Classes of Pesticides. New York, NY: Academic Press, Inc., 1991. 1504]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Serious adverse effects have occurred when used under tropical condition, when it was
applied to areas of skin that were occluded during sleep (mainly the antecubital and
popliteal fossae). Under these conditions, the skin became red and tender, then exhibited
blistering and erosion, leaving painful weeping denuded areas that were slow to heal.
Severe scarring occasionally resulted from some of these severe reactions.
[U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic
Substances. Reigart, J.R., Roberts, J.R. Recognition and Management of Pesticide
Poisonings. 5th ed. 1999. EPA Document No. EPA 735-R-98-003, and available in
electronic format at: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/safety/healthcare 80]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Toxic encephalopathic reactions have apparently occurred in rare instances following
dermal application, mainly in children who were intensively treated. The more frequently
cause of systemic toxicity has been ingestion, deliberate in adults, accidental in young
children.
[U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic
Substances. Reigart, J.R., Roberts, J.R. Recognition and Management of Pesticide
Poisonings. 5th ed. 1999. EPA Document No. EPA 735-R-98-003, and available in
electronic format at: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/safety/healthcare 80]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Manifestation of toxic encephalopathy have been behavioral disorders including
headache, restlessness, irritability, ataxia, rapid loss of consciousness, hypotension, and
seizures. Some cases have shown flaccid paralysis and areflexia. Deaths have occurred
following very large doses. Blood levels of DEET found in fatal systemic poisonings
have ranged from 168 to 240 mg/l. Interpretation of DEET toxicity in some fatal cases
has been complicated by effects of simultaneously ingested ethanol, tranquilizers, and
other drugs. One well documented case of anaphylactic reaction to DEET has been
reported. One fatal case of encephalopathy in a child heterozygous for ornithine
carbamoyl transferase deficiency resembled Reyes syndrome, but the postmortem
appearance of the liver was not characteristic of the syndrome.
[U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic
Substances. Reigart, J.R., Roberts, J.R. Recognition and Management of Pesticide
Poisonings. 5th ed. 1999. EPA Document No. EPA 735-R-98-003, and available in
electronic format at: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/safety/healthcare 81]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Application of deet to the face and arms of five volunteers daily for 5 consecutive days
produced only slight irritation of the face and nose and some desquamation about the
nose. Similar changes, plus dryness of the face and slight tingling sensation, occurred
among those who received applications for 3 consecutive days/week for 6 weeks, but all
symptoms disappeared during each 4-day period of rest.
[Hayes, Wayland J., Jr. Pesticides Studied in Man. Baltimore/London: Williams and
Wilkins, 1982. 631]**PEER REVIEWED**
Skin, Eye and Respiratory Irritations:
IRRITANT TO ... MUCOUS MEMBRANES ...
[The Merck Index. 10th ed. Rahway, New Jersey: Merck Co., Inc., 1983. 412]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Undiluted material is a moderate-to-severe irritant in the eye. Dermal application of
undiluted material and 50% solutions caused no primary irritation in man ...
[Gosselin, R.E., R.P. Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products.
5th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984.,p. II-346]**PEER REVIEWED**
THE UNDILUTED COMPD MAY IRRITATE MUCOUS MEMBRANES ...
[Worthing, C.R., S.B. Walker (eds.). The Pesticide Manual - A World Compendium. 7th
ed. Lavenham, Suffolk, Great Britain: The Lavenham Press Limited, 1983. 194]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Populations at Special Risk:
Discretion should be exercised in recommending DEET for persons who have acne,
psoriasis, an atopic predisposition, or other chronic skin condition. It should not be
applied to any skin area that is likely to be opposed to another skin surface for a
significant period of time (antecubital and popliteal fossae, inguinal areas).
[U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic
Substances. Reigart, J.R., Roberts, J.R. Recognition and Management of Pesticide
Poisonings. 5th ed. 1999. EPA Document No. EPA 735-R-98-003, and available in
electronic format at: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/safety/healthcare 81]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Great caution should be exercised in using DEET on children.
[U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic
Substances. Reigart, J.R., Roberts, J.R. Recognition and Management of Pesticide
Poisonings. 5th ed. 1999. EPA Document No. EPA 735-R-98-003, and available in
electronic format at: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/safety/healthcare 81]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Probable Routes of Human Exposure:
NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 9,275 workers (458 of
these are female) are potentially exposed to DEET in the USA(1). Occupational exposure
to DEET may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at
workplaces where DEET is produced or has been and continues to be used(SRC). The
general population may be exposed to DEET via dermal contact with consumer products
(insect repellent) containing DEET(SRC). 30% of US population uses DEET annually as
an insect repellent(2). Approx 21% households use DEET annually; 19% of households
use it on household members; about 4% of households that have cats and/or dogs use it
on those pets(2).
[(1) NIOSH; National Occupational Exposure Survey (NOES) (1983) (2) USEPA;
Pesticide Reregistration Eligibility Decisions (REDs) Database on DEET (134-62-3).
USEPA-738/R-98-010. Available from the Database Query Page at
http://www.epa.gov/REDs/ as of Nov 30, 2000.]**PEER REVIEWED**
Average Daily Intake:
Daily exposure estimates for DEET are as follows: adult male, 12.10 mg/kg/day; adult
female, 9.68 mg/kg/day; child, age 13-17, 21.05 mg/kg/day; child, age 12 and under,
37.63 mg/kg/day(1).
[(1) USEPA; Pesticide Reregistration Eligibility Decisions (REDs) Database on DEET
(134-62-3). USEPA-738/R-98-010. Available from the Database Query Page at
http://www.epa.gov/REDs/ as of Nov 30, 2000.]**PEER REVIEWED**
Emergency Medical Treatment:
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The following Overview, *** INSECT REPELLENTS ***, is relevant for this HSDB
record chemical.
Life Support:
o This overview assumes that basic life support measures
have been instituted.
Clinical Effects:
0.2.1 SUMMARY OF EXPOSURE
0.2.1.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
A) DEET - The most commonly used product in this class is
N,N-Diethyl-M-toluamide, commonly referred to as DEET.
Toxicity is primarily neurologic (encephalopathy,
seizures, movement disorders, coma) and may occur via
oral or dermal exposure, most commonly in children.
Fatalities from ingestion and chronic dermal
application of DEET containing products are rare, but
have been described.
B) OTHER COMPOUNDS may include the following:
1) ETHYL HEXANEDIOL is only slightly absorbed across the
skin. However, it is moderately toxic on ingestion,
causing CNS depression, liver, and kidney injury.
2) INDALONE may cause slight skin irritation, plus kidney
and liver damage following protracted application to
the skin of animals.
3) DIMETHYL PHTHALATE has a low order of systemic
toxicity. When the volatilized esters are inhaled,
they are moderately irritating to the mucous
membranes. Extreme oral doses cause CNS depression in
animals.
4) N-OCTYL BICYCLOHEPTENE DICARBOXIMIDE is not irritating
to skin; extreme doses cause excitement, then
depression.
5) 2,3,4,5-BIS (2-BUTYLENE)TETRAHYDRO-2-FURALDEHYDE and
DI-N-PROPYL ISOCINCHOMERONATE have low systemic toxic
potential in mammals, and are not significantly
irritating.
6) N,N-DIETHYLPHENYLACETAMIDE (DEPA) - Hepatotoxic in
animals in large doses.
7) VEHICLES - Ethyl and isopropyl alcohols and freon used
as vehicles may contribute significantly to toxicity
of some formulations.
0.2.3 VITAL SIGNS
0.2.3.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
A) Hypotension after ingestion of DEET may occur.
0.2.4 HEENT
0.2.4.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
A) Eye exposure to DEET may result in a burning sensation.
A burning sensation of the lips, tongue and mouth may
be noted.
0.2.5 CARDIOVASCULAR
0.2.5.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
A) Bradycardia is rare but has been reported after dermal
exposure to DEET. Hypotension has been reported after
large oral ingestions.
0.2.7 NEUROLOGIC
0.2.7.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
A) Confusion, ataxia, hypertonicity, and clonic jerking
progressing to coma and seizures may occur after acute
oral or chronic dermal exposure to DEET.
0.2.8 GASTROINTESTINAL
0.2.8.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
A) Abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting may develop after
excessive dermal exposure to DEET.
0.2.9 HEPATIC
0.2.9.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
A) Toxic hepatitis may occur after DEET exposure.
0.2.14 DERMATOLOGIC
0.2.14.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
A) Contact urticaria may develop after DEET use. A bullous
eruption in the antecubital and popliteal fossae that
may progress to painful skin necrosis and permanent
scarring has been described after DEET use.
B) 2-ETHYL-1,3-HEXANEDIOL is a skin irritant, erythema may
develop after dermal application.
0.2.18 PSYCHIATRIC
0.2.18.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
A) Acute paranoid psychosis from repeated dermal
application of diethyltoluamide has been reported.
0.2.19 IMMUNOLOGIC
0.2.19.1 ACUTE EXPOSURE
A) Anaphylaxis has been reported after topical DEET
application.
0.2.20 REPRODUCTIVE HAZARDS
A) DEET was not teratogenic in rats and rabbits.
Laboratory:
A) Plasma levels of these agents may help to confirm the
diagnosis, but toxic levels have yet to be established.
B) Monitor liver and renal function tests carefully in
symptomatic patients.
C) Consider CT and lumbar puncture in patients with
neurologic effects to rule out other causes.
Treatment Overview:
0.4.2 ORAL EXPOSURE
A) Coma and seizures can occur rapidly following ingestion
of DEET, within 30 minutes to one hour of ingestion.
Ipecac-induced emesis is not recommended.
1) Cautious lavage with a small-bore soft nasogastric
tube, using small aliquots of water or saline, may be
indicated since the risk of sequelae from absorption of
DEET is high. Activated charcoal should be instilled
before removal of the tube.
B) ACTIVATED CHARCOAL: Administer charcoal as a slurry (240
mL water/30 g charcoal). Usual dose: 25 to 100 g in
adults/adolescents, 25 to 50 g in children (1 to 12
years), and 1 g/kg in infants less than 1 year old.
C) SEIZURES: Administer a benzodiazepine IV; DIAZEPAM
(ADULT: 5 to 10 mg, repeat every 10 to 15 min as needed.
CHILD: 0.2 to 0.5 mg/kg, repeat every 5 min as needed)
or LORAZEPAM (ADULT: 2 to 4 mg; CHILD: 0.05 to 0.1
mg/kg).
1) Consider phenobarbital if seizures recur after diazepam
30 mg (adults) or 10 mg (children > 5 years).
2) Monitor for hypotension, dysrhythmias, respiratory
depression, and need for endotracheal intubation.
Evaluate for hypoglycemia, electrolyte disturbances,
hypoxia.
D) NATIONAL PESTICIDE TELECOMMUNICATIONS NETWORK:
1) The National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC) is a
cooperative effort of Oregon State University and the
US EPA. NPIC provides consultation to poison centers
and other health care professionals for the management
of pesticide poisoning. Calls regarding emergency cases
requiring immediate medical response will be
transferred to the Oregon Poison Center.
a) NPIC contact information: phone: 1-800-858-7378;
(outside the U.S. 541-737-6094). FAX: 1-541-737-0761.
email: npic@ace.orst.edu Hours: 6:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Pacific time 7 days/week excluding holidays.
0.4.3 INHALATION EXPOSURE
A) INHALATION: Move patient to fresh air. Monitor for
respiratory distress. If cough or difficulty breathing
develops, evaluate for respiratory tract irritation,
bronchitis, or pneumonitis. Administer oxygen and assist
ventilation as required. Treat bronchospasm with inhaled
beta2 agonist and oral or parenteral corticosteroids.
0.4.4 EYE EXPOSURE
A) DECONTAMINATION: Irrigate exposed eyes with copious
amounts of room temperature water for at least 15
minutes. If irritation, pain, swelling, lacrimation, or
photophobia persist, the patient should be seen in a
health care facility.
0.4.5 DERMAL EXPOSURE
A) OVERVIEW
1) Wash affected areas twice with copious amounts of soap
and water. Alcohol-detergent solutions such as "green
soap" are most efficient for this purpose. A physician
may need to examine the exposed area if irritation or
pain persist after the area is washed.
Range of Toxicity:
A) Ingestion of 25 mL of 50% DEET by a one-year-old child
resulted in severe toxicity.
B) Ingestion of 50 mL of 100% DEET by adolescents or adults
has resulted in severe toxicity, and death.
C) Extensive daily dermal application of 10 to 15% DEET for
2 days to 3 months has resulted in encephalopathy in
children.
[Rumack BH POISINDEX(R) Information System Micromedex, Inc., Englewood, CO,
2004; CCIS Volume 122, edition expires Nov, 2004. Hall AH & Rumack BH (Eds):
TOMES(R) Information System Micromedex, Inc., Englewood, CO, 2004; CCIS Volume
122, edition expires Nov, 2004.]**PEER REVIEWED**
Antidote and Emergency Treatment:
Skin decontamination. Wash skin with soap and water ... . Eye contamination should be
treated by prolonged flushing with clean saline or water. If irritation persists, medical
treatment should be obtained. Topical steroids and oral antihistamines have been used for
severe skin reactions that occasionally follow application of DEET.
[U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic
Substances. Reigart, J.R., Roberts, J.R. Recognition and Management of Pesticide
Poisonings. 5th ed. 1999. EPA Document No. EPA 735-R-98-003, and available in
electronic format at: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/safety/healthcare 81]**PEER
REVIEWED**
If a substantial amount of DEET has been ingested within an hour of treatment,
gastrointestinal decontamination should be considered ... . Induced emesis is usually
considered contraindicated in these poisonings due to the rapid onset of seizures.
[U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic
Substances. Reigart, J.R., Roberts, J.R. Recognition and Management of Pesticide
Poisonings. 5th ed. 1999. EPA Document No. EPA 735-R-98-003, and available in
electronic format at: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/safety/healthcare p. 81-2]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Treatment is primarily supportive, with control of seizures by anticonvulsants ... . Persons
surviving poisoning by ingestion of DEET have usually recovered within 36 hours or
less.
[U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic
Substances. Reigart, J.R., Roberts, J.R. Recognition and Management of Pesticide
Poisonings. 5th ed. 1999. EPA Document No. EPA 735-R-98-003, and available in
electronic format at: http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/safety/healthcare 82]**PEER
REVIEWED**
/SRP:/ Basic treatment: Establish a patent airway. Suction if necessary. Watch for signs
of respiratory insufficiency and assist ventilations if needed. Administer oxygen by
nonrebreather mask at 10 to 15 L/min. Monitor for pulmonary edema and treat if
necessary ... . Monitor for shock and treat if necessary ... . Anticipate seizures and treat if
necessary ... . For eye contamination, flush eyes immediately with water. Irrigate each
eye continuously with normal saline during transport ... . Do not use emetics. For
ingestion, rinse mouth and administer 5 ml/kg up to 200 ml of water for dilution if the
patient can swallow, has a strong gag reflex, and does not drool ... . Cover skin burns
with dry sterile dressings after decontamination ... . /Poison A and B/
[Bronstein, A.C., P.L. Currance; Emergency Care for Hazardous Materials Exposure. 2nd
ed. St. Louis, MO. Mosby Lifeline. 1994. 139]**PEER REVIEWED**
/SRP:/ Advanced treatment: Consider orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation for airway
control in the patient who is unconscious, has severe pulmonary edema, or is in
respiratory arrest. Positive pressure ventilation techniques with a bag valve mask device
may be beneficial. Monitor cardiac rhythm and treat arrhythmias as necessary ... . Start an
IV with D5W /SRP: "To keep open", minimal flow rate/. Use lactated Ringer's if signs of
hypovolemia are present. Watch for signs of fluid overload. Consider drug therapy for
pulmonary edema ... . For hypotension with signs of hypovolemia, administer fluid
cautiously. Watch for signs of fluid overload ... . Treat seizures with diazepam (Valium)
... . Use proparacaine hydrochloride to assist eye irrigation ... . /Poison A and B/
[Bronstein, A.C., P.L. Currance; Emergency Care for Hazardous Materials Exposure. 2nd
ed. St. Louis, MO. Mosby Lifeline. 1994. 139]**PEER REVIEWED**
Animal Toxicity Studies:
Non-Human Toxicity Excerpts:
IN 200-DAY FEEDING TRIALS RATS RECEIVING 10000 MG/KG DIET
EXHIBITED NO ADVERSE EFFECTS.
[Worthing, C.R., S.B. Walker (eds.). The Pesticide Manual - A World Compendium. 7th
ed. Lavenham, Suffolk, Great Britain: The Lavenham Press Limited, 1983. 194]**PEER
REVIEWED**
ON GASTRIC INTUBATION IN RATS THE ORTHO-ISOMER IS MOST TOXIC
AND THE PARA-ISOMER LEAST TOXIC. ... TOXIC DOSES IN RATS AND
RABBITS HAVE PRODUCED DEPRESSION, LOSS OF RIGHTING REFLEXES,
LABORED RESPIRATION, COMA AND TERMINAL CONVULSIONS. ... IN
RABBITS ERYTHEMA AND DESQUAMATION ARE DESCRIBED AS WELL AS
PERCUTANEOUS INTOXICATION /AFTER DERMAL APPLICATION OF
UNDILUTED MATERIAL AND 50% SOLN/.
[Gosselin, R.E., R.P. Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products.
5th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984.,p. II-346]**PEER REVIEWED**
Application of pure N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide to rabbit eyes has caused edema of the
conjunctiva, lacrimation, discharge, and slight transient cloudiness of the corneas. Injury
of the epithelium, indicated by staining with fluorescein, persisted for two days, but the
eyes returned to normal in five days.
[Grant, W.M. Toxicology of the Eye. 3rd ed. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas
Publisher, 1986. 337]**PEER REVIEWED**
100 & 1000 MG/KG WERE APPLIED ON BARE RAT SKIN DAILY BEFORE &
DURING ENTIRE PREGNANCY. CONCEPTION WAS SIMILAR IN TEST GROUP
& CONTROLS, WHILE RATE OF IMPLANTATION, SHOWING DECR IN GROUP
GIVEN 100 MG/KG, WAS GREATLY DECR BY 1000 MG/KG DUE TO PREIMPLANTATION AND POST-IMPLANTATION RESORPTION.
[GLEYBERMAN SE ET AL; FARMAKOL TOKSIKOL 2: 202-5 (1975)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
AEROSOL SPRAY CONTAINING DEET (3.75-75.0%) APPLIED TO HORSE'S
SKIN. DEET PRODUCED DERMATOSIS IN ONE OR BOTH OF PAIRED HORSES
ADMIN 15% OR GREATER. MOST COMMON SIGN OF TOXICOSIS WAS
HYPERSTEATOSIS. RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN APPEARANCE OF
HYPERSTEATOSIS & CONCN WAS DIRECT.
[PALMER JS; AM J VET RES 30 (11): 1929-32 (1969)]**PEER REVIEWED**
SINGLE DOSE OF N,N-DIETHYL-M-TOLUAMIDE IN CORN OIL WAS ADMIN TO
MALE MICE BY GAVAGE IN DOMINANT LETHAL ASSAY TO EVALUATE ITS
MUTAGENICITY IN MALE GERM CELLS. THE CMPD DID NOT INDUCE A
POSITIVE MUTAGENIC RESPONSE.
[SWENTZEL, KC; INVESTIGATION OF N,N-DIETHYL-M-TOLUAMIDE(M-DET)
FOR DOMINANT LETHAL EFFECTS IN THE MOUSE; REPORT, ISS USAEHA-510034-78, ORDER NO AD-A058414; 12 (1977)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Rats, both sexes, were exposed for single 4 hr periods to aerosols of M-Det at concn of
4100, 2900 or 2300 mg/cu m. The rats were given a battery of behavioral tests. The
results permitted distinctions to be made between performance at all 3 levels for both
males and females. Tests incl measures of activity endurance, balance, tactical sensitivity,
postexposure learning, and memory of a task learned the day before exposure. Necropsy
did not show any gross physical changes. Thus behavioral tests were able to establish
changes resulting from acute exposures at concn below those at which toxic signs could
be seen.
[Sherman RA; Behavorial effects of acute aerosol exposure to N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide
(M-Det), January-February 1979; Report, ISS USAEHA-75-51-0034-80, Order No ADA076939; 28 (1979)]**PEER REVIEWED**
IN A 15 DAY SUBCHRONIC STUDY, RABBITS WERE ADMIN 528 MG/KG/DAY
ORALLY. BODY WT GAIN WAS DECR THROUGHOUT THE STUDY. SERUM
CALCIUM LEVELS DECR & CHOLESTEROL & TRIGLYCERIDE LEVELS INCR
SIGNIFICANTLY. NO OTHER TOXIC SIGNS WERE OBSERVED DURING THE 15
DAY TREATMENT PERIOD.
[HAIGHT EA ET AL; SUBCHRONIC ORAL TOXICITY OF THE INSECT
REPELLENT N,N-DIMETHYL-M-TOLUAMIDE (M-DET), SEPT 1978-MAY 1979;
US NTIS AD REP AD-A082,131/4: 27 PP (1980)]**PEER REVIEWED**
A comparison of nine commercial repellents was made on human volunteers against
Aedes aegypti using dose-response methods. In the first series of tests measuring intrinsic
repellency (0 hr), stabilene, and MGK Repellent 326 were significantly inferior to deet,
dibutylphthalate, indalone, dimethylphthalate, MGK Repellent II, ethyl hexanediol, and
citronyl (ranked by ED50). A second series of tests conducted to measure the persistence
of these compounds, showed stabilene, MGK Repellent 326, and dibutylphthalate were
ineffective after 4 hr. Efficacy ranking by 4 hr ED50 was indalone, citronyl,
dimethylphthalate, ethyl hexanediol, and deet. The relative superiority of deet in
comparison to other standard repellents is discussed.
[Buescher MD et al; Mosq News 42 (3): 428-433 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Standard and experimental topical repellents were tested against the neotropical sand fly
Lutzomyia longipalpis, using dose-response techniques. Deet, indalone, and citronyl
were the most effective of the standard repellents tested on humans. ...Comparative
sensitivity of this sand fly species to repellents is greater than that of certain mosquito,
flea, tick, and reduviid bug species.
[Buescher MD et al; J Med Entomol 19 (2): 176-180 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Relative repellency of citronyl, deet, dimethylphthalate, N-benzoyl piperidine (NBP),
and N-toluyl piperidine was evaluated against Simulium himalayense. The chemical
concentrations of 10, 15, and 20% were used on the skin of human subjects. Citronyl,
NBP, and N-toluyl piperidine were better repellents than deet, and dimethyl phthalate
20% citronyl provided 8.5 hr average protection, whereas deet and dimethyl phthalate
were effective for 7 and 6 hr, respectively.
[Das SC et al; Ind J Med Res 81: 378-381 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Rats killed by dosages in the LD50 range showed lacrimation, chromodacryorrhea,
depression, prostration, tremors, and asphyxial convulsions; respiratory failure usually
preceded cardiac failure.
[Hayes, W.J., Jr., E.R. Laws, Jr., (eds.). Handbook of Pesticide Toxicology. Volume 3.
Classes of Pesticides. New York, NY: Academic Press, Inc., 1991. 1500]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Five standard topical repellents and a synthetic pyrethroid were evaluated against the
tsetse Glossina morsitans using a dose-response testing procedure on white rabbits. The
repellents, in decreasing order of effectiveness based on 0 hr ED50 tests, were
dimethylphthalate, 2-ethyl-1,3-hexanediol, and indalone were significantly (p<0.05) more
potent than citronyl. None of the materials tested were significantly more effective than
deet. ...
[Wirtz RA et al; J Med Entomol 22 (3): 271-75 (1985)]**PEER REVIEWED**
/It was/ found that single dermal applications to rabbits at rates of about 2000 or 4000
mg/kg produced no systemic effect but did produce mild to moderate erythema. Repeated
dermal application of 50% solutions for 13 weeks at the rate of about 200 mg/kg/day
produced no evidence of systemic toxicity but did produce desquamation, coriaceousness,
dryness, and fissuring in the same species. Except for some scarring, these lesions cleared
within 3 weeks. Instillation of deet into the eyes of rabbits produced mild to moderate
edema of the nictitating membrane, lacrimation, conjunctivitis, and some corneal injury,
as revealed by fluorescein staining. After 5 days all eyes appeared normal. The irritating
effects of deet at the dermal application site and to the eye have been corroborated by
others. No sensitization was seen in guinea pigs.
[Hayes, W.J., Jr., E.R. Laws, Jr., (eds.). Handbook of Pesticide Toxicology. Volume 3.
Classes of Pesticides. New York, NY: Academic Press, Inc., 1991. 1500]**PEER
REVIEWED**
When rats were fed deet at a dietary level of 10,000 ppm for about 200 days, their growth
was decreased without a decrease in food intake. There was a significant increase in the
relative weight of the testes and liver in males, of the liver and spleen in females, and of
the kidneys in both males and females. Some of these changes were seen in lesser degree
at a dietary level of 1000 ppm. No gross or significant histological changes were seen at
any dietary level, and no changes of any kind were observed at 100 or 500 ppm (about 25
mg/kg/day).
[Hayes, W.J., Jr., E.R. Laws, Jr., (eds.). Handbook of Pesticide Toxicology. Volume 3.
Classes of Pesticides. New York, NY: Academic Press, Inc., 1991. 1501]**PEER
REVIEWED**
The cardiovascular effects of deet was examined in in rats and dogs. When anesthetized
rats were treated intraperitoneally with 75% deet in ethyl alcohol at dosages of 225, 125,
and 63 mg/kg, a dose-related drop in mean blood pressure was observed within 30 min;
heart rate also was reduced at 225 mg/kg. Dogs similarly treated at 225 mg/kg had
decreased blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac output, along with minor changes in the
electrocardiogram. Deet at 225 mg/kg also reduced the responsiveness of anesthetized
rats to exogenous acetylcholine, indicating that the hypotensive effects of the repel lent
might be due partly to an interaction with cholinergic systems.
[Hayes, W.J., Jr., E.R. Laws, Jr., (eds.). Handbook of Pesticide Toxicology. Volume 3.
Classes of Pesticides. New York, NY: Academic Press, Inc., 1991. 1501]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Similar results were found in other subacute dermal and feeding studies with deet in rats,
rabbits, and dogs. In these oral studies, 2000 ppm proved to be a no-effect level. Oral
administration of deet to dogs at rates of 100 and 300 mg/kg/day caused tremor and
hyperactivity and occasional vomiting, but no other effects. Blood studies (hemoglobin,
hematocrit, sedimentation rate, platelet counts, total and differential white cell counts) on
dogs receiving 300 mg/kg orally or dermally or on rabbits receiving 300 mg/kg dermally
revealed no effect on the hematopoetic system.
[Hayes, W.J., Jr., E.R. Laws, Jr., (eds.). Handbook of Pesticide Toxicology. Volume 3.
Classes of Pesticides. New York, NY: Academic Press, Inc., 1991. 1501]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Non-Human Toxicity Values:
LD50 Rat (male) oral 3000 mg/kg
[Hayes, W.J., Jr., E.R. Laws, Jr., (eds.). Handbook of Pesticide Toxicology. Volume 3.
Classes of Pesticides. New York, NY: Academic Press, Inc., 1991. 1500]**PEER
REVIEWED**
LD50 Rat (female) oral 2000 mg/kg
[Hayes, W.J., Jr., E.R. Laws, Jr., (eds.). Handbook of Pesticide Toxicology. Volume 3.
Classes of Pesticides. New York, NY: Academic Press, Inc., 1991. 1500]**PEER
REVIEWED**
LD50 Rabbit dermal was about 3180 mg/kg
[Hayes, W.J., Jr., E.R. Laws, Jr., (eds.). Handbook of Pesticide Toxicology. Volume 3.
Classes of Pesticides. New York, NY: Academic Press, Inc., 1991. 1500]**PEER
REVIEWED**
LC50 Rat inhalation >4100 mg/cu m/4 hr
[Tomlin, C.D.S. (ed.). The Pesticide Manual - World Compendium. 10th ed. Surrey, UK:
The British Crop Protection Council, 1994. 327]**PEER REVIEWED**
LD50 Rat skin 5000 mg/kg
[Lewis, R.J. Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 9th ed. Volumes 1-3.
New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1996. 1199]**PEER REVIEWED**
LD50 Mouse skin 3170 mg/kg
[Lewis, R.J. Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 9th ed. Volumes 1-3.
New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1996. 1199]**PEER REVIEWED**
LD50 Rabbit oral 1584 mg/kg
[Lewis, R.J. Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 9th ed. Volumes 1-3.
New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1996. 1199]**PEER REVIEWED**
Ecotoxicity Values:
LC50 Pimephales promelas (fathead minnow) 110 mg/l/96 hr at 25 deg C with a water
hardness of 45.0 mg/l CaCO3
[Brooke LT et al (eds); Acute Toxicities of Organic Chemicals to Fathead Minnows
Pimephales promelas p.375 (1984)]**PEER REVIEWED**
EC50 Pimephales promelas (fathead minnow) 75.7 mg/l/96 hr at 25 deg C with a water
hardness of 45.0 mg/l CaCO3, toxic effect: loss of equilibrium and death
[Brooke LT et al (eds); Acute Toxicities of Organic Chemicals to Fathead Minnows
Pimephales promelas p.375 (1984)]**PEER REVIEWED**
TSCA Test Submissions:
N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (CAS # 134-62-3) was evaluated for acute oral toxicity. The
test substance was administered to male albino Charles River CD rats. Dosages and
mortality data are as follows: 0.4 g/kg (0/3); 0.8 g/kg (0/3); 1.6 g/kg (0/3); 3.2 g/kg (1/3);
5.0 g/kg (3/3). Signs of intoxication included lethargy, ataxia, ptosis, salivation, slow
respiration, lacrimation, prostration, and loss of righting reflex. Gross autopsy revealed
moderately red and swollen (2x) small intestines with a clear fluid and marked to
moderate lung redness. There were no visible lesions in the survivors. The LD50 was
roughly estimated to between 3.2 and 5.0 g/kg.
[ROHM & HAAS CO; Initial Submission: Acute Toxicity Screen for RH-22,195 (Final
Report) with Cover Letter Dated 02/05/92; 06/23/78; EPA Doc No. 88-920000883; Fiche
No. OTS0535385]**UNREVIEWED**
N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (CAS # 134-62-3) was evaluated for subchronic toxicity. The
test substance was administered by subcutaneous injection to 30-35/group mated female
Sprague-Dawley rats (Crl:CD (SD)BR) for 10 days at dosage levels of 0.5, 0.62, 0.78,
0.96, or 1.0 ml/kg/day or 1.0 ml water/kg/day (control). No females survived 10 days of
dosing with 1.0 ml/kg/day. Deaths occurred in all groups except the low dose (0.5
ml/kg/day) group. The LD50 was determined to be 0.71 ml/kg/day. There was no
significant increase in body weights, but liver and kidney weights were significantly
increased. At 0.62 ml/kg/day, fetal weights were significantly reduced. No gross external
malformations were noted.
[NATL INSTIT OCCUP SAFETY & HLTH; Preliminary Report MDET Reproductive
Toxicity and Teratology Study; 08/13/84; EPA Doc No. FYI-OTS-0884-0340; Fiche No.
OTS0000340-0]**UNREVIEWED**
N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (CAS # 134-62-3) was evaluated for subchronic toxicity. The
test substance was administered by subcutaneous injection to 20/group male SpragueDawley rats for 5 days/week for 9 weeks. Dosages and mortality data are as follows: 0.30
ml/kg/day (0/20); 0.47 ml/kg/day (4/19); 0.73 ml/kg/day (1/20); 1.15 ml/kg/day (18/20);
or 1.8 ml/kg/day (20/20). One male in the 0.47 ml/kg/day group and another in the 1.80
ml/kg/day group failed to impregnate at least one female in a companion reproductive
toxicity and teratology study. Necropsy of the males revealed hemorrhagic lungs in the 5
rats that died in the 0.47 and 0.73 ml/kg/day groups. Several males developed lesions at
one or several injection sites. Clinical signs included partial paralysis of the hind limbs,
varying degrees of self-mutilation (cannablized the toes from their feet), and a doserelated decline in the rotorod performance test.
[NATL INSTIT OCCUP SAFETY & HLTH; Report on Behavioral Testing of N,Ndiethyl-3-toluamide (MDET); 08/15/84; EPA Doc No. FYI-OTS-0884-0340; Fiche No.
OTS0000340-0]**UNREVIEWED**
N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (CAS # 134-62-3) was evaluated for teratogenicity. The test
substance was administered by subcutaneous injection to 30-35/group mated female
Sprague-Dawley rats (Crl:CD (SD)BR) on gestation days 6-15 at dosage levels of 0.5,
0.62, 0.78, 0.96, or 1.0 ml/kg/day or 1.0 ml water/kg/day (control). Males selected for
breeding received subcutaneous injections of the test substance 5 days/week for 9 weeks
at dosage levels of 0.30 or 0.73 ml/kg/day. No mortality occurred in treated females, but
maternal toxicity was reflected in reduced body weights, a transient reduction in food
consumption, and increased maternal liver weight. Clinical signs included a partial
paralysis of the hind limbs in 2 rats. Two grossly malformed fetuses were observed, one
control fetus with omphalocele (umbilical hernia) and one treated fetus with
craniorachischisis (fissure of skull and spinal column) and an open eye.
[NATL INSTIT OCCUP SAFETY & HLTH; Preliminary Report MDET Reproductive
Toxicity and Teratology Study; 08/13/84; EPA Doc No. FYI-OTS-0884-0340; Fiche No.
OTS0000340-0]**UNREVIEWED**
N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (CAS # 134-62-3) was evaluated for chromosomal effects. No
treatment-related induction of mutations was evident in dominant lethal tests using 3035/group mated female Sprague-Dawley rats (Crl:CD (SD)BR) receiving dosage levels of
0.5, 0.62, 0.78, 0.96, or 1.0 ml/kg/day or 1.0 ml/kg/day (control) by subcutaneous
injection for 10 days; mated with 20/group male Sprague-Dawley rats at dosage levels of
0.30, 0.47, 0.73, 1.15, or 1.8 ml/kg/day by subcutaneous injection for 5 days/week for 9
weeks. No further information was provided in regards to the dominant lethal test.
[NATL INSTIT OCCUP SAFETY & HLTH; Preliminary Report MDET Reproductive
Toxicity and Teratology Study; 08/13/84; EPA Doc No. FYI-OTS-0884-0340; Fiche No.
OTS0000340-0]**UNREVIEWED**
N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (CAS # 134-62-3) was evaluated for chromosomal aberrations
and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) in Chinese hamster ovary cells. The test substance
was tested with and without an Aroclor 1254 induced rat liver S-9 activation system.
Aberration induction was evaluated over a range of 0.2 ul/ml to 1.0 ul/ml and SCE
induction at 0.2 ul/ml to 0.8 ul/ml. No increase in either aberrations or SCE was seen in
the absence of S-9, but in its presence dose related increases to significance levels of p
<0.01 for aberrations and p <0.001 for SCE were observed.
[ICI AMERS INC; Initial Submission: Mutagenicity Evaluation of N,n-diethyltoluamide
with Attachment and Cover Letter Dated 08/28/92; 08/28/92; EPA Doc No. 88920007628; Fiche No. OTS0545820]**UNREVIEWED**
N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (CAS # 134-62-3) was evaluated for forward mutation in
L5178Y TK+/- mouse lymphoma cells with and without the presence of S-9
metabolizing system prepared from the livers of Aroclor 1254 induced rats. The test
substance was negative over the dose range of 0.01 to 0.9 ul/ml without S-9, but was
positive (increased mutant frequency by twice the background) at a dose of 0.15 ul/ml
with activation. The test substance was determined to have a weak mutagenic potential.
[ICI AMERS INC; Initial Submission: Mutagenicity Evaluation of N,n-diethyltoluamide
with Attachment and Cover Letter Dated 082892; 08/28/9284; EPA Doc No. 88920007628; Fiche No. OTS0545820]**UNREVIEWED**
Metabolism/Pharmacokinetics:
Metabolism/Metabolites:
OXIDATION OF THE BENZYLIC MOIETY AND HYDROXYLATION OF SIDECHAIN OF DEET MOLECULES APPEARED TO BE PREDOMINANT ROUTES OF
METABOLISM IN MAN.
[WU A ET AL; J HIGH RESOLUT CHROMATOGR CHROMATOGR COMMUN 2
(9): 558-62 (1979)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Although the metabolites of deet have yet to be completely characterized, found mtoluric, hippuric, and benzoic acids in urine of rats and rabbits exposed to deet in aerosol
form; no unchanged deet was detected. By use of autoradiography following intravenous
injection of radiocarbon-labeled deet into mice, high tissue levels were found initially in
the liver, kidney, lacrimal gland, and nasal mucosa. Very soon, concentrations higher
than that in blood were found in the thyroid and brown fat. Concentrations were highest
and most persistent in the lacrimal gland. Concentrations in the fetus remained lower than
those in the mother. By 4 hr after injection, very little radioactivity remained in any
tissue, except the lacrimal gland. Deet does cross the placenta; however, pregnant rabbits
receiving repeated dermal applications of deet throughout gestation showed no evidence
of bioaccumulation in maternal tissue or individual fetuses. ...
[Hayes, W.J., Jr., E.R. Laws, Jr., (eds.). Handbook of Pesticide Toxicology. Volume 3.
Classes of Pesticides. New York, NY: Academic Press, Inc., 1991. 1501]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Absorption, Distribution & Excretion:
(14)C-DEET IN 0.3% SOLN OF 20% ETHANOL WAS APPLIED TO BACKS OF
MICE. HIGH CONCN OF RADIOACTIVITY FOUND IN LACRIMAL GLAND,
LIVER, BILE, INTESTINAL CONTENTS, KIDNEY, URINE, & NASAL MUCOSA.
RESULTS WERE SIMILAR TO THOSE OBTAINED AFTER IV ADMIN. A 25%
SOLN OF (14)C-DEET IN ABSOLUTE ALC WAS APPLIED TO HUMAN
VOLUNTEERS, & URINARY EXCRETION WAS MEASURED. URINARY CONCN
REACHED A PEAK AFTER SEVERAL HOURS.
[BLOMQUIST L, THORSELL W; ACTA PHARMACOL TOXICOL 41 (3): 235-43
(1977)]**PEER REVIEWED**
(14)C-DEET WAS RAPIDLY RESORBED IN LARGE AMT BY SKIN OF MICE &
PENETRATED INTO BLOOD WITH MAX CONCN IN 1 HR. EXCRETION WAS
ALMOST COMPLETE FROM BLOOD WITHIN 1-3 DAYS & MOST WAS
EXCRETED IN URINE. RESIDUAL AMT DETECTED FOR 1-3 MO IN SKIN,
FATTY TISSUE, & MUSCLES.
[LURE AA ET AL; MED PARAZITOL PARAZIT BOLEZNI 47 (1): 72-7
(1978)]**PEER REVIEWED**
AT AN APPLICATION DOSE OF 0.25 UG/SQ CM, 9.6% IN VIVO & 9.7% IN VITRO
/OF THE ADMINISTERED DOSE/ EVAPORATED FROM THE SKIN OF HUMANS
IN THE FIRST HR AFTER APPLICATION.
[SPENCER TS ET AL; J INVEST DERMATOL 72 (6): 317-9 (1979)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
After intravenous injection, DET is rapidly distributed through the body /of mice/ and
quickly recovered in urine within the first 8 hr. The cmpd is selectively concentrated
within the lacrimal glands, nasal mucosa, and mouse yolk sac.
[Gosselin, R.E., R.P. Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products.
5th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984.,p. II-346]**PEER REVIEWED**
Deet is absorbed and distributed rather rapidly following movement through the skin. ...
Topically applied radioactive deet reached a maximum concentration in the blood by 1 hr
postapplication; it was almost completely eliminated from the blood within 1-3 days.
Deet is rapidly eliminated mainly in the urine and to a lesser extent in the feces.
[Hayes, W.J., Jr., E.R. Laws, Jr., (eds.). Handbook of Pesticide Toxicology. Volume 3.
Classes of Pesticides. New York, NY: Academic Press, Inc., 1991. 1500]**PEER
REVIEWED**
DEET is efficiently absorbed across the skin and by the gut. Blood concentrations of
about 3 mg/l have been reported several hours after dermal application in the prescribed
fashion.
[Morgan DP; Recognition and Management of Pesticide Poisonings. 4th ed, p.50 EPA
540/9-88-001. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, March 1989]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Using radioautography following iv injection of (14)C-deet, high tissue levels were
found at first in the liver, kidney, lacrimal gland, and nasal mucosa. Very soon,
concentrations higher than that in the blood were found in the thyroid and brown fat.
Concentrations were highest and most persistent in the lacrimal gland. Concentrations in
the fetus remained lower than those in the mother. Excretion was rapid and mainly by
way of the kidney. By 4 hours after injection, very little radioactivity remained in any
tissue, except the lacrimal gland ... An essentially similar picture was seen following
dermal application. However, low levels of excretion continued during the entire 1 month
period of observation. Direct measurement of the skin indicated that persistent excretion
depended mainly on continuing absorption from the skin ... .
[Hayes, Wayland J., Jr. Pesticides Studied in Man. Baltimore/London: Williams and
Wilkins, 1982. 630]**PEER REVIEWED**
... 7 to 13% of a topical treatment of about 1 mg/sq cm & from 9% of a dose of 1.86
mg/sq cm to 56% of a dose of 0.077 mg/sq cm penetrated the skin of volunteers. ... Only
16% of a topical application to the forearm at 4 micrograms/sq cm penetrated during a 96
hr interval. ... The penetration of deet into & through human abdominal skin was 29.8%
(29.6% remained in skin, 0.2% penetrated) at 1 hr after application of the lower concn &
36.3% (29.7% remained in skin, 6.6% penetrated) at 12 hr following application of the
higher concn.
[Hayes, W.J., Jr., E.R. Laws, Jr., (eds.). Handbook of Pesticide Toxicology. Volume 3.
Classes of Pesticides. New York, NY: Academic Press, Inc., 1991. 1502]**PEER
REVIEWED**
About 10 to 15% of each dose can be recovered unchanged from the urine. Volume of
distribution is 2.1 L/kg. Plasma half-life is 2.5 hr. DEET is eliminated by hepatic
oxidative metabolism through the P450 enzyme system. About 10 to 14% is excreted in
the urine unchanged. Urinary half-life is 4 hr. DEET and its metabolites can be detected
in the urine for 2 weeks and from the skin and adipose tissues for 1 to 3 months after
dermal application. It exhibits an enterohepatic recirculation.
[Ellenhorn, M.J., S. Schonwald, G. Ordog, J. Wasserberger. Ellenhorn's Medical
Toxicology: Diagnosis and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD:
Williams and Wilkins, 1997. 1655]**PEER REVIEWED**
Interactions:
...Pretreatment of rats with deet had a biphasic effect on the hypnotic activity of
pentobarbital. When admin orally to rats at 400 mg/kg 1,2 or 6 hr prior to ip injection of
pentobarbital at 25 mg/kg, sleeping time was prolonged by 2 to 6-fold. However, when
admin 0.5, 1, 2, 3, or 6 days before pentobarbital, sleeping time was shortened markedly.
the incr in sleeping time was assoc with incr brain & plasma levels of pentobarbital & ...
an incr in pentobarbital hydroxylase activity. The decr in sleeping time was assoc with
decr brain & plasma levels & a decr in liver pentobarbital hydroxylase activity.
[Hayes, W.J., Jr., E.R. Laws, Jr., (eds.). Handbook of Pesticide Toxicology. Volume 3.
Classes of Pesticides. New York, NY: Academic Press, Inc., 1991. 1502]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Pharmacology:
Interactions:
...Pretreatment of rats with deet had a biphasic effect on the hypnotic activity of
pentobarbital. When admin orally to rats at 400 mg/kg 1,2 or 6 hr prior to ip injection of
pentobarbital at 25 mg/kg, sleeping time was prolonged by 2 to 6-fold. However, when
admin 0.5, 1, 2, 3, or 6 days before pentobarbital, sleeping time was shortened markedly.
the incr in sleeping time was assoc with incr brain & plasma levels of pentobarbital & ...
an incr in pentobarbital hydroxylase activity. The decr in sleeping time was assoc with
decr brain & plasma levels & a decr in liver pentobarbital hydroxylase activity.
[Hayes, W.J., Jr., E.R. Laws, Jr., (eds.). Handbook of Pesticide Toxicology. Volume 3.
Classes of Pesticides. New York, NY: Academic Press, Inc., 1991. 1502]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Environmental Fate & Exposure:
Environmental Fate/Exposure Summary:
DEET's production and use as insect and acarid repellent is expected to result in its direct
release to the environment. If released to air, a vapor pressure of 5.6X10-3 mm Hg at 20
deg C indicates DEET will exist solely as a vapor in the ambient atmosphere. Vaporphase DEET will be degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with photochemicallyproduced hydroxyl radicals; the half-life for this reaction in air is estimated to be 15 hrs.
If released to soil, DEET is expected to have moderate mobility based upon an estimated
Koc of 300. Volatilization from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate
process based upon an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.1X10-8 atm-cu m/mole.
Based on limited data, this compound should not readily biodegrade under either aerobic
or anaerobic conditions in either soil nor water. If released into water, DEET is expected
to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment based upon the estimated Koc. Volatilization
from water surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process based upon this
compound's estimated Henry's Law constant. BCF values of 0.8-2.4 suggest
bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low. DEET is stable to hydrolysis at
environmental pHs of 5, 7, and 9. Occupational exposure to DEET may occur through
inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at workplaces where DEET is
produced or has been and continues to be used. The general population may be exposed
to DEET via dermal contact with consumer products (insect repellent) containing DEET.
(SRC)
**PEER REVIEWED**
Probable Routes of Human Exposure:
NIOSH (NOES Survey 1981-1983) has statistically estimated that 9,275 workers (458 of
these are female) are potentially exposed to DEET in the USA(1). Occupational exposure
to DEET may occur through inhalation and dermal contact with this compound at
workplaces where DEET is produced or has been and continues to be used(SRC). The
general population may be exposed to DEET via dermal contact with consumer products
(insect repellent) containing DEET(SRC). 30% of US population uses DEET annually as
an insect repellent(2). Approx 21% households use DEET annually; 19% of households
use it on household members; about 4% of households that have cats and/or dogs use it
on those pets(2).
[(1) NIOSH; National Occupational Exposure Survey (NOES) (1983) (2) USEPA;
Pesticide Reregistration Eligibility Decisions (REDs) Database on DEET (134-62-3).
USEPA-738/R-98-010. Available from the Database Query Page at
http://www.epa.gov/REDs/ as of Nov 30, 2000.]**PEER REVIEWED**
Average Daily Intake:
Daily exposure estimates for DEET are as follows: adult male, 12.10 mg/kg/day; adult
female, 9.68 mg/kg/day; child, age 13-17, 21.05 mg/kg/day; child, age 12 and under,
37.63 mg/kg/day(1).
[(1) USEPA; Pesticide Reregistration Eligibility Decisions (REDs) Database on DEET
(134-62-3). USEPA-738/R-98-010. Available from the Database Query Page at
http://www.epa.gov/REDs/ as of Nov 30, 2000.]**PEER REVIEWED**
Artificial Pollution Sources:
DEET's production and use as an insect and acarid repellent(1) will result in its direct
release to the environment(SRC).
[(1) USEPA; Pesticide Reregistration Eligibility Decisions (REDs) Database on DEET
(134-62-3). USEPA-738/R-98-010. Available from the Database Query Page at
http://www.epa.gov/REDs/ as of Nov 30, 2000.]**PEER REVIEWED**
Environmental Fate:
TERRESTRIAL FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of
300(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 2.02(2) and a regression-derived equation(3),
indicates that DEET is expected to have moderate mobility in soil(SRC). Volatilization
of DEET from moist soil surfaces is not expected to be an important fate process(SRC)
given an estimated Henry's Law constant of 2.1X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), using a
fragment constant estimation method(4). DEET is not expected to volatilize from dry soil
surfaces(SRC) based upon a vapor pressure of 5.6X10-3 mm Hg(5). Biodegradation in
soil may not be an important fate process based on limited biodegradation data; DEET, at
100 mg/l, did not biodegrade under aerobic conditions over a period of 4 weeks with a
sewage inoculum and the Japanese MITI test(6). Biodegradation using an anaerobic
aquifer slurry from a municipal landfill was negligible(7).
[(1) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 17-28 (1983) (2) Hansch C et al; Exploring QSAR.
Hydrophobic, Electronic, and Steric Constants. ACS Prof Ref Book. Heller SR, consult.
ed., Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc p. 103 (1995) (3) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of
Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 4-9
(1990) (4) Meylan WM, Howard PH; Environ Toxicol Chem 10: 1283-93 (1991) (5)
Arthur D. Little, Inc; Development of Candidate Chemical Simulant List: The Evaluation
of Candidate Chemical Simulants Which May Be Used in Chemically Hazardous
Operations. Air Force Aero Med Res Lab, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, AFAMRL-TR82-87. NTIS AD-B070947 (1982) (6) Chemicals Inspection and Testing Institute;
Biodegradation and Bioaccumulation Data of Existing Chemicals Based on the CSCL
Japan. Japan Chemical Industry Ecology-Toxicology and Information. ISBN 4-89074101-1 (1992) (7) Kuhn EP, Suflita JM; Hazard Waste Hazard Mat 6: 121-33
(1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**
AQUATIC FATE: Based on a classification scheme(1), an estimated Koc value of
300(SRC), determined from a log Kow of 2.02(2) and a regression-derived equation(3),
indicates that DEET is expected to adsorb to suspended solids and sediment(SRC).
Volatilization from water surfaces is not expected(3) based upon an estimated Henry's
Law constant of 2.1X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(SRC), developed using a fragment constant
estimation method(4). According to a classification scheme(5), BCF values of 0.8-2.4(6),
suggests the potential for bioconcentration in aquatic organisms is low(SRC).
Biodegradation in water may not be an important fate process based on limited
biodegradation data; DEET, at 100 mg/l, did not biodegrade under aerobic conditions
over a period of 4 weeks with a sewage inoculum and the Japanese MITI test(6).
Biodegradation using an anaerobic aquifer slurry from a municipal landfill was
negligible(7).
[(1) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 17-28 (1983) (2) Hansch C et al; Exploring QSAR.
Hydrophobic, Electronic, and Steric Constants. ACS Prof Ref Book. Heller SR, consult.
ed., Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc p. 103 (1995) (3) Lyman WJ et al; Handbook of
Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc pp. 4-9, 15-1
to 15-29 (1990) (4) Meylan WM, Howard PH; Environ Toxicol Chem 10: 1283-93
(1991) (5) Franke C et al; Chemosphere 29: 1501-14 (1994) (6) Chemicals Inspection
and Testing Institute; Biodegradation and Bioaccumulation Data of Existing Chemicals
Based on the CSCL Japan. Japan Chemical Industry Ecology-Toxicology and
Information. ISBN 4-89074-101-1 (1992) (7) Kuhn EP, Suflita JM; Hazard Waste
Hazard Mat 6: 121-33 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**
ATMOSPHERIC FATE: According to a model of gas/particle partitioning of
semivolatile organic compounds in the atmosphere(1), DEET, which has a vapor
pressure of 5.6X10-3 mm Hg at 20 deg C(2), is expected to exist solely as a vapor in the
ambient atmosphere. Vapor-phase DEET is degraded in the atmosphere by reaction with
photochemically-produced hydroxyl radicals(SRC); the half-life for this reaction in air is
estimated to be 15(SRC), calculated from its rate constant of 2.5X10-11 cu cm/moleculesec at 25 deg C(SRC), determined using a structure estimation method(3).
[(1) Bidleman TF; Environ Sci Technol 22: 361-367 (1988) (2) Arthur D. Little, Inc;
Development of Candidate Chemical Simulant List: The Evaluation of Candidate
Chemical Simulants Which May Be Used in Chemically Hazardous Operations. Air
Force Aero Med Res Lab, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, AFAMRL-TR-82-87. NTIS ADB070947 (1982) (3) Meylan WM, Howard PH; Chemosphere 26: 2293-99
(1993)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Environmental Biodegradation:
AEROBIC: An aquifer slurry from a sulfate-reducing site was unable to biodegrade
DEET; at 0, 1, 8, and 11 months incubation a concentration of 171, 194, 198, and 199
uM DEET was measured, respectively(1). An aquifer slurry from a methanogenic site
was unable to biodegrade DEET; at 0, 1, 8, and 11 months incubation a concentration of
194, 192, 190, and 199 uM Deet was measured, respectively(1). DEET, at 100 mg/l, did
not biodegrade under aerobic conditions over a period of 4 weeks with a sewage
inoculum and the Japanese MITI test(3). ANAEROBIC: Biodegradation using an
anaerobic aquifer slurry from a municipal landfill incubated 11 months was negligible(2).
[(1) Kuhn EP, Suflita JM; Hazard Waste Hazard Mat 6: 121-33 (1989) (2) Taguchi H et
al; Kankyo Kagaku Kenkyu Hokoku (Chiba Daigaku) 15: 32-3 (1990) (3) Chemicals
Inspection and Testing Institute; Biodegradation and Bioaccumulation Data of Existing
Chemicals Based on the CSCL Japan. Japan Chemical Industry Ecology-Toxicology and
Information. ISBN 4-89074-101-1 (1992)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Environmental Abiotic Degradation:
The rate constant for the vapor-phase reaction of DEET with photochemically-produced
hydroxyl radicals has been estimated as 2.5X10-11 cu cm/molecule-sec at 25 deg
C(SRC) using a structure estimation method(1). This corresponds to an atmospheric halflife of about 15 hours at an atmospheric concentration of 5X10+5 hydroxyl radicals per
cu cm(1). DEET is stable to hydrolysis at environmental pHs of 5, 7, and 9(2).
[(1) Meylan WM, Howard PH; Chemosphere 26: 2293-99 (1993) (2) USEPA; Pesticide
Reregistration Eligibility Decisions (REDs) Database on DEET (134-62-3). USEPA738/R-98-010. Available from the Database Query Page at http://www.epa.gov/REDs/ as
of Nov 30, 2000.]**PEER REVIEWED**
Environmental Bioconcentration:
BCF values of 0.8-2.4 were measured in carp exposed to DEET at 0.05 to 0.5 mg/l(1).
According to a recommended classification scheme(2), these BCF values suggest that
bioconcentration in aquatic organisms will be low(SRC).
[(1) Chemicals Inspection and Testing Institute; Biodegradation and Bioaccumulation
Data of Existing Chemicals Based on the CSCL Japan. Japan Chemical Industry
Ecology-Toxicology and Information. ISBN 4-89074-101-1 (1992) (2) Franke C et al;
Chemosphere 29: 1501-14 (1994)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Soil Adsorption/Mobility:
The Koc of DEET is estimated as approximately 300(SRC), using a measured log Kow
of 2.02(1) and a regression-derived equation(2). According to a recommended
classification scheme(3), this estimated Koc value suggests that DEET has moderate
mobility in soil(SRC).
[(1) Hansch L et al; Exploring QSAR. Hydrophobic, Electronic, and Steric Constants.
ACS Prof Ref Book. Washington, DC: Amer Chem Soc p. 103 (1995) (2) Lyman WJ et
al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington, DC: Amer Chem
Soc pp. 4-9 (1990) (3) Swann RL et al; Res Rev 85: 23 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Volatilization from Water/Soil:
The Henry's Law constant for DEET is estimated as 2.1X10-8 atm-cu m/mole(SRC)
using a fragment constant estimation method(1). This value indicates that DEET will be
essentially nonvolatile from water surfaces(2). DEET's values for vapor pressure,
5.6X10-3 mm Hg(3) and Henry's Law constant suggest that volatilization from dry and
moist soil surfaces will not occur(SRC).
[(1) Meylan WM, Howard PH; Environ Toxicol Chem 10: 1283-93 (1991) (2) Lyman WJ
et al; Handbook of Chemical Property Estimation Methods. Washington, DC: Amer
Chem Soc pp. 15-1 to 15-29 (1990) (3) Arthur D. Little, Inc; Development of Candidate
Chemical Simulant List: The Evaluation of Candidate Chemical Simulants Which May
Be Used in Chemically Hazardous Operations. Air Force Aero Med Res Lab, WrightPatterson AFB, OH, AFAMRL-TR-82-87. NTIS AD-B070947 (1982)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Environmental Water Concentrations:
GROUNDWATER: Groundwater sampled from beneath the Hipps Road Landfill,
Jacksonville, FL in 1984 contained DEET at unreported concentrations(1). DEET was
identified in groundwater from the Besos basin in NE Spain at concentrations of notdetected to 34 ng/l(2).
[(1) Eckel WP et al; Ground Water 31: 801-04 (1993) (2) Guardiola J et al; Water Supply
7: 11-16 (1989)]**PEER REVIEWED**
SURFACE WATER: DEET was measured in 5 of 8 water samples taken at various
locations along the Rhine River in The Netherlands delta at concentrations of 0.021-0.046
ug/l(1). Concns of DEET ranged from 0.008 to 0.11 ug/l in water samples collected from
the main-stem Mississippi River during 1987 through 1992(2).
[(1) Hendriks AJ et al; Wat Res 28: 581-98 (1994) (2) Goolsby DA, Pereira WE; pp. 86101 in Contaminants in the Mississippi River, 1987-1992. USGS Circ No. 1133
(1996)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Effluent Concentrations:
DEET was reported at 214 Superfund sites at unreported concentrations(1). Primarytreated municipal wastewater and sludge from the Iona Island treatment plant,
Vancouver, British Columbia, during 1982, contained DEET at unreported
concentrations(2). DEET was measured in 3 of 3 leachate samples taken from a Swedish
municipal landfill (Gryta, Vasteras) in 1990(3).
[(1) Eckel WP; in Amer Chem Soc, Div Environ Chem, Preprint Ext Abstr, 208th ACS
Natl Mtg, 34: 67-9 (1994) (2) Rogers IH et al; Water Pollut Res J Canada: 21: 187-204
(1986) (3) Oman C, Hynning PA; Environ Pollut 80: 265-71 (1993)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Environmental Standards & Regulations:
FIFRA Requirements:
As the federal pesticide law FIFRA directs, EPA is conducting a comprehensive review
of older pesticides to consider their health and environmental effects and make decisions
about their future use. Under this pesticide reregistration program, EPA examines health
and safety data for pesticide active ingredients initially registered before November 1,
1984, and determines whether they are eligible for reregistration. In addition, all
pesticides must meet the new safety standard of the Food Quality Protection Act of 1996.
N,N-Diethyl-meta-toluamide and other isomers is found on List A, which contains most
food use pesticides and consists of the 194 chemical cases (or 350 individual active
ingredients) for which EPA issued registration standards prior to FIFRA, as amended in
1988. Case No: 0002; Pesticide type: insecticide (insect repellent); Registration Standard
Date: 12/01/80; Case Status: RED Approved 04/98; OPP has made a decision that
some/all uses of the pesticide are eligible for reregistration, as reflected in a
Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) document.; Active ingredient (AI): N,NDiethyl-meta-toluamide and other isomers; Data Call-in (DCI) Date(s): 10/13/95; AI
Status: OPP has completed a Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED) document for the
case/AI.
[USEPA/OPP; Status of Pesticides in Registration, Reregistration and Special Review
p.108 (Spring, 1998) EPA 738-R-98-002]**PEER REVIEWED**
Chemical/Physical Properties:
Molecular Formula:
C12-H17-N-O
**PEER REVIEWED**
Molecular Weight:
191.27
[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and
Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996. 584]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Color/Form:
Liquid
[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and
Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996. 483]**PEER
REVIEWED**
WATER WHITE TO AMBER
[Spencer, E. Y. Guide to the Chemicals Used in Crop Protection. 7th ed. Publication
1093. Research Institute, Agriculture Canada, Ottawa, Canada: Information Canada,
1982. 165]**PEER REVIEWED**
Odor:
Faint, characteristic odor
[USEPA; Pesticide Reregistration Eligibility Decisions (REDs) Database on DEET (13462-3). USEPA-738/R-98-010. Available from the Database Query Page at
http://www.epa.gov/REDs/ as of Nov 30, 2000.]**PEER REVIEWED**
Boiling Point:
160 deg C @ 19 mm Hg
[Lide, DR (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 81st Edition. CRC Press
LLC, Boca Raton: FL 2000,p. 3-19]**PEER REVIEWED**
Density/Specific Gravity:
0.996 @ 20 deg C/4 deg C
[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and
Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996. 483]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Octanol/Water Partition Coefficient:
log Kow = 2.02
[Hansch, C., Leo, A., D. Hoekman. Exploring QSAR - Hydrophobic, Electronic, and
Steric Constants. Washington, DC: American Chemical Society., 1995. 103]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Solubilities:
Very soluble in benzene, ethyl ether, and ethanol.
[Lide, DR (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 81st Edition. CRC Press
LLC, Boca Raton: FL 2000,p. 3-19]**PEER REVIEWED**
Sparingly sol in petroleum ether
[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and
Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996. 483]**PEER
REVIEWED**
MISCIBLE WITH ETHANOL, 2-PROPANOL, COTTONSEED OIL, PROPYLENE
GLYCOL
[Tomlin, C.D.S. (ed.). The Pesticide Manual - World Compendium. 10th ed. Surrey, UK:
The British Crop Protection Council, 1994. 326]**PEER REVIEWED**
Solubility in water = >1000 mg/l at room temperature
[Chemicals Inspection and Testing Institute; Biodegradation and Bioaccumulation Data
of Existing Chemicals Based on the CSCL Japan. Japan Chemical Industry EcologyToxicology and Information. ISBN 4-89074-101-1 (1992)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Spectral Properties:
Index of refraction: 1.5212 @ 20 deg C/D
[Lide, DR (ed.). CRC Handbook of Chemistry and Physics. 81st Edition. CRC Press
LLC, Boca Raton: FL 2000,p. 3-19]**PEER REVIEWED**
Intense mass spectral peaks: 119 m/z (100%), 190 m/z (46%), 91 m/z (41%), 191 m/z
(17%)
[Hites, R.A. Handbook of Mass Spectra of Environmental Contaminants. Boca Raton,
FL: CRC Press Inc., 1985. 246]**PEER REVIEWED**
IR: 2:942F (Aldrich Library of Infrared Spectra, Aldrich Chemical Co, Milwaukee, WI)
[Lide, D.R., G.W.A. Milne (eds.). Handbook of Data on Organic Compounds. Volume I.
3rd ed. CRC Press, Inc. Boca Raton ,FL. 1994.,p. V1 424]**PEER REVIEWED**
MS: NIST 7113 (NIST/EPA/MCDC Mass Spectral Database 1990 version)
[Lide, D.R., G.W.A. Milne (eds.). Handbook of Data on Organic Compounds. Volume I.
3rd ed. CRC Press, Inc. Boca Raton ,FL. 1994.,p. V1 424]**PEER REVIEWED**
NMR: 7:74C (Aldrich Library of Mass Spectra, Aldrich Chemical Co, Milwaukee, WI)
[Weast, R.C. and M.J. Astle. CRC Handbook of Data on Organic Compounds. Volumes I
and II. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press Inc. 1985.,p. V2 359]**PEER REVIEWED**
Vapor Pressure:
0.0056 mm Hg at 20 deg C
[Arthur D Little, Inc; Development of Candidate Chemical Simulant List: The Evaluation
of Candidate Chemical Simulants Which May Be Used in Chemically Hazardous
Operations. Air Force Aero Med Res Lab, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, AFAMRL-TR82-87. NTIS AD-B070947 (1982)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Other Chemical/Physical Properties:
Sensitive to strong acids and alkalies; Technical grade viscosity = 13.3 mPa s at 30 deg C
and density = 0.996-0.998 at 24 deg C
[Tomlin, C.D.S. (ed.). The Pesticide Manual - World Compendium. 10th ed. Surrey, UK:
The British Crop Protection Council, 1994. 326]**PEER REVIEWED**
Chemical Safety & Handling:
Skin, Eye and Respiratory Irritations:
IRRITANT TO ... MUCOUS MEMBRANES ...
[The Merck Index. 10th ed. Rahway, New Jersey: Merck Co., Inc., 1983. 412]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Undiluted material is a moderate-to-severe irritant in the eye. Dermal application of
undiluted material and 50% solutions caused no primary irritation in man ...
[Gosselin, R.E., R.P. Smith, H.C. Hodge. Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products.
5th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1984.,p. II-346]**PEER REVIEWED**
THE UNDILUTED COMPD MAY IRRITATE MUCOUS MEMBRANES ...
[Worthing, C.R., S.B. Walker (eds.). The Pesticide Manual - A World Compendium. 7th
ed. Lavenham, Suffolk, Great Britain: The Lavenham Press Limited, 1983. 194]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Hazardous Decomposition:
When heated to decomp it emits toxic fumes of NOx /nitrogen oxides/.
[Lewis, R.J. Sax's Dangerous Properties of Industrial Materials. 9th ed. Volumes 1-3.
New York, NY: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1996. 1199]**PEER REVIEWED**
Protective Equipment & Clothing:
Since absorption can occur through the skin and has produced human disease, protective
clothing made from butyl rubber should be used in a high concentration environment.
**PEER REVIEWED**
Preventive Measures:
SRP: The scientific literature for the use of contact lenses in industry is conflicting. The
benefit or detrimental effects of wearing contact lenses depend not only upon the
substance, but also on factors including the form of the substance, characteristics and
duration of the exposure, the uses of other eye protection equipment, and the hygiene of
the lenses. However, there may be individual substances whose irritating or corrosive
properties are such that the wearing of contact lenses would be harmful to the eye. In
those specific cases, contact lenses should not be worn. In any event, the usual eye
protection equipment should be worn even when contact lenses are in place.
**PEER REVIEWED**
Avoid skin and eye contact with the concentrate.
[Hartley, D. and H. Kidd (eds.). The Agrochemicals Handbook. Old Woking, Surrey,
United Kingdom: Royal Society of Chemistry/Unwin Brothers Ltd., 1983.,p. A119/Oct
83]**PEER REVIEWED**
Stability/Shelf Life:
Sensitive to strong acids and alkalis.
[Hartley, D. and H. Kidd (eds.). The Agrochemicals Handbook. Old Woking, Surrey,
United Kingdom: Royal Society of Chemistry/Unwin Brothers Ltd., 1983.,p. A119/Oct
83]**PEER REVIEWED**
Disposal Methods:
SRP: At the time of review, criteria for land treatment or burial (sanitary landfill)
disposal practices are subject to significant revision. Prior to implementing land disposal
of waste residue (including waste sludge), consult with environmental regulatory
agencies for guidance on acceptable disposal practices.
**PEER REVIEWED**
Occupational Exposure Standards:
Manufacturing/Use Information:
Major Uses:
For Deet (USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code: 080301) ACTIVE products with label matches.
/SRP: Registered for use in the U.S. but approved pesticide uses may change periodically
and so federal, state and local authorities must be consulted for currently approved uses./
[U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Pesticide Program's Chemical
Ingredients Database on Deet (134-62-3). Available from the Database Query page at
http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/epa/epamenu.htm as of February 5, 2001.]**PEER
REVIEWED**
DIETHYLTOLUAMIDE IS AN INSECT REPELLENT ESPECIALLY EFFECTIVE
AGAINST MOSQUITOES. O- AND P-ISOMERS ARE HIGHLY REPELLENT BUT
LESS EFFECTIVE THAN M-ISOMER.
[Worthing, C.R., S.B. Walker (eds.). The Pesticide Manual - A World Compendium. 7th
ed. Lavenham, Suffolk, Great Britain: The Lavenham Press Limited, 1983. 194]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Insect and acarid repellent ... households and domestic dwellings, human body/clothing
while being worn (insect repellent), cats (adults/ kittens), dogs (adults/puppies), horses,
pet living/sleeping quarters.
[USEPA; Pesticide Reregistration Eligibility Decisions (REDs) Database on DEET (13462-3). USEPA-738/R-98-010. Available from the Database Query Page at
http://www.epa.gov/REDs/ as of Nov 30, 2000.]**PEER REVIEWED**
Manufacturers:
Clariant Corp., 4000 Monroe Rd., Charlotte, NC 28205, (704) 331-7000; Production site:
Mount Holly, NC 28120
[SRI International. 2000 Directory of Chemical Producers -- United States. SRI
Consulting, Menlo Park: CA 2000 784]**PEER REVIEWED**
Morflex, Inc., 2110 High Point Rd., Greensboro, NC 27403-2642; Production site:
Greensboro, NC 27403-2642
[SRI International. 2000 Directory of Chemical Producers -- United States. SRI
Consulting, Menlo Park: CA 2000 784]**PEER REVIEWED**
Methods of Manufacturing:
Prepn from m-toluoyl chloride and diethylamine in benzene or ether: Maxim, Bull Soc
Chim Romania 11, 29 (1929); Chem Zentr, 1929, II, 2324, C.A. 24,94 (1930); Beilstein
9, II, 325; McCabe et al., J Org Chem 19, 493, 496 (1954).
[Budavari, S. (ed.). The Merck Index - An Encyclopedia of Chemicals, Drugs, and
Biologicals. Whitehouse Station, NJ: Merck and Co., Inc., 1996. 483]**PEER
REVIEWED**
General Manufacturing Information:
US PATENT: 2,408,389
[Spencer, E. Y. Guide to the Chemicals Used in Crop Protection. 7th ed. Publication
1093. Research Institute, Agriculture Canada, Ottawa, Canada: Information Canada,
1982. 165]**PEER REVIEWED**
Discontinued by Chemical Formulators, Nitro, WV and by Hercules Inc, Brunswick, GA
[Farm Chemicals Handbook 1984. Willoughby, Ohio: Meister Publishing Co., 1984.,p.
C-71]**PEER REVIEWED**
The best overall standard /insect/ repellent.
[Kirk-Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. 4th ed. Volumes 1: New York,
NY. John Wiley and Sons, 1991-Present.,p. V21 (1997) 236]**PEER REVIEWED**
The release time of repellent chemicals methyl nonyl ketone, di-methylphthalate, and
N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide from porous propylene slabs was much higher (approximately
7 times more) than from porous propylene powders. The release time was a function of
initial concentration and was inversely proportional to vapor pressure in case of porous
powder.
[Brade WR, Davis TD; J Cell Plast 19 (5): 309-311 (1983)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Compatibility: miscible with other repellents.
[Tomlin, C.D.S. (ed.). The Pesticide Manual - World Compendium. 10th ed. Surrey, UK:
The British Crop Protection Council, 1994. 326]**PEER REVIEWED**
Formulations/Preparations:
USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code 080301; Trade Names: Deet, Delphene, MGK
diethyltoluamide, pyrocide intermediate 5734 (080301+057001+043302+047201),
Detamide, Metadelphene, Chigger-Wash, Skeeter skat (080301+067212).
[U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Pesticide Program's Chemical
Ingredients Database on Deet (134-62-3). Available from the Database Query page at
http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/epa/epamenu.htm as of February 5, 2001.]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Aerosol bombs, creams, stick, and soln in isopropanol.
[Spencer, E. Y. Guide to the Chemicals Used in Crop Protection. 7th ed. Publication
1093. Research Institute, Agriculture Canada, Ottawa, Canada: Information Canada,
1982. 165]**PEER REVIEWED**
WITH ETHYL OR ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL, WITH OTHER REPELLENTS.
[Farm Chemicals Handbook 1984. Willoughby, Ohio: Meister Publishing Co., 1984.,p.
C-71]**PEER REVIEWED**
LIQUID REPELLENT "OFF" IS COMPOSED OF EQUAL PARTS OF /N,NDIETHYL-M-TOLUAMIDE/ AND AN INERT LIQUID; PRESSURIZED SPRAY IS
15% SOLN IN DENATURED ALCOHOL WITH FREON GAS.
[Grant, W. M. Toxicology of the Eye. 2nd ed. Springfield, Illinois: Charles C. Thomas,
1974. 385]**PEER REVIEWED**
Emulsifiable concentrate; Emulsion, water in oil
[Tomlin, C.D.S. (ed.). The Pesticide Manual - World Compendium. 10th ed. Surrey, UK:
The British Crop Protection Council, 1994. 326]**PEER REVIEWED**
Contains a minimum of 95% meta isomer as technical active ingredient; manufacturing
products - 17.5% to 88.89%
[USEPA; Pesticide Reregistration Eligibility Decisions (REDs) Database on DEET (13462-3). USEPA-738/R-98-010. Available from the Database Query Page at
http://www.epa.gov/REDs/ as of Nov 30, 2000.]**PEER REVIEWED**
Impregnated material, 7.15-82.0%; liquid - RTU, 7.00-100%; pressurized liquid, 3.9980.00%; sunscreen/DEET, 7.13-20.00%
[USEPA; Pesticide Reregistration Eligibility Decisions (REDs) Database on DEET (13462-3). USEPA-738/R-98-010. Available from the Database Query Page at
http://www.epa.gov/REDs/ as of Nov 30, 2000.]**PEER REVIEWED**
Consumption Patterns:
(1990) 4X10+6 lbs active ingredient
[USEPA; Pesticide Reregistration Eligibility Decisions (REDs) Database on DEET (13462-3). USEPA-738/R-98-010. Available from the Database Query Page at
http://www.epa.gov/REDs/ as of Nov 30, 2000.]**PEER REVIEWED**
30% of US population uses DEET annually as an insect repellent. Approx 21%
households use DEET annually; 19% of households use it on household members; about
4% of households that have cats and/or dogs use it on those pets.
[USEPA; Pesticide Reregistration Eligibility Decisions (REDs) Database on DEET (13462-3). USEPA-738/R-98-010. Available from the Database Query Page at
http://www.epa.gov/REDs/ as of Nov 30, 2000.]**PEER REVIEWED**
Laboratory Methods:
Clinical Laboratory Methods:
GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY/MASS SPECTROMETRIC ANALYSIS FOR URINARY
METABOLITES OF DEET IN HUMANS.
[WU A ET AL; HIGH RESOLUTION GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY-MASS
SPECTROMETRIC CHARACTERIZATION OF URINARY METABOLITES OF N,NDIETHYL-M-TOLUAMIDE IN MAN; J HIGH RESOLUT CHROMATOGR
CHROMATOGR COMMUN 2 (9): 558-62 (1979)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Analytic Laboratory Methods:
GC ANALYSIS AND SEPARATION OF DEET AND ISOMERS.
[SARMIENTO R, BEROZA M; J ECON ENTOMOL 68 (2): 258-60 (1975)]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Product analysis by IR spectrometry or by GLC
[Tomlin, C.D.S. (ed.). The Pesticide Manual - World Compendium. 10th ed. Surrey, UK:
The British Crop Protection Council, 1994. 326]**PEER REVIEWED**
DEET was identified in landfill leachate using GC/MS after acidification and extraction
steps.
[Oman C, Hynning PA; Environ Pollut 80: 265-71 (1993)]**PEER REVIEWED**
DEET was measured in river water using XAD-4 concentration followed by a
combination of GC and HPLC and analysis using MS.
[Hendriks AJ et al; Wat Res 28: 581-98 (1994)]**PEER REVIEWED**
EMSLC Metod 633. The Determination of Organonitrogen Pesticides in Industrial and
Municipal Wastewater by Gas Chromatography with Thermionic Bead Detection in the
Nitrogen Mode. Detection limit= 3.4 ug/l.
[USEPA; Methods for the Determination of Nonconventional Pesticides in Municipal and
Industrial Wastewater, Volume I, Revision 1, EPA-821-R-93-010A, August
(1993)]**PEER REVIEWED**
EPA-B Method PMD-DEE. Determination of Deet by Gas Chromatography.
[USEPA; EMMI. EPA's Environmental Monitoring Methods Index. Version 1.1. PC#
4082. Rockville, MD: Government Institutes (1997)]**PEER REVIEWED**
EPA-B Method PMD-DEE. Determination of Deet by High Performance Liquid
Chromatography.
[USEPA; EMMI. EPA's Environmental Monitoring Methods Index. Version 1.1. PC#
4082. Rockville, MD: Government Institutes (1997)]**PEER REVIEWED**
Special References:
Special Reports:
USEPA; Reregistration Eligibility Decision (RED): DEET (1998) EPA 738-R-98-101.
Agency's evaluation of the data base of this chemical, its conclusions of the potential
human health and environmental risks of the current product uses, and its decisions and
conditions under which these uses and product will be eligible for reregistration.
Synonyms and Identifiers:
Synonyms:
AI 3-22542
**PEER REVIEWED**
AUTAN
**PEER REVIEWED**
BENZAMIDE, N,N-DIETHYL-3-METHYL**PEER REVIEWED**
CHEMFORM
**PEER REVIEWED**
DELPHENE
**PEER REVIEWED**
M-DELPHENE
**PEER REVIEWED**
DET
**PEER REVIEWED**
M-DET
**PEER REVIEWED**
DETA
**PEER REVIEWED**
M-DETA
**PEER REVIEWED**
DETA-20
**PEER REVIEWED**
DETAMIDE
**PEER REVIEWED**
DET (INSECT REPELLANT)
**PEER REVIEWED**
DIELTAMID
**PEER REVIEWED**
N,N-DIETHYL-3-METHYLBENZAMIDE
**PEER REVIEWED**
DIETHYLTOLUAMIDE
**PEER REVIEWED**
N,N-DIETHYL-M-TOLUAMIDE
**PEER REVIEWED**
ENT 20,218
**PEER REVIEWED**
ENT 22542
**PEER REVIEWED**
Pesticide Code: 080301
**PEER REVIEWED**
FLYPEL
**PEER REVIEWED**
METADELPHENE
**PEER REVIEWED**
3-METHYL-N,N-DIETHYLBENZAMIDE
**PEER REVIEWED**
MGK
**PEER REVIEWED**
MGK Diethyltoluamide
**PEER REVIEWED**
NAUGATUCK DET
**PEER REVIEWED**
OFF
**PEER REVIEWED**
Repel
**PEER REVIEWED**
REPPER-DET
**PEER REVIEWED**
REPUDIN-SPECIAL
**PEER REVIEWED**
M-TOLUAMIDE, N,N-DIETHYL**PEER REVIEWED**
M-TOLUIC ACID DIETHYLAMIDE
**PEER REVIEWED**
Formulations/Preparations:
USEPA/OPP Pesticide Code 080301; Trade Names: Deet, Delphene, MGK
diethyltoluamide, pyrocide intermediate 5734 (080301+057001+043302+047201),
Detamide, Metadelphene, Chigger-Wash, Skeeter skat (080301+067212).
[U.S. Environmental Protection Agency/Office of Pesticide Program's Chemical
Ingredients Database on Deet (134-62-3). Available from the Database Query page at
http://www.cdpr.ca.gov/docs/epa/epamenu.htm as of February 5, 2001.]**PEER
REVIEWED**
Aerosol bombs, creams, stick, and soln in isopropanol.
[Spencer, E. Y. Guide to the Chemicals Used in Crop Protection. 7th ed. Publication
1093. Research Institute, Agriculture Canada, Ottawa, Canada: Information Canada,
1982. 165]**PEER REVIEWED**
WITH ETHYL OR ISOPROPYL ALCOHOL, WITH OTHER REPELLENTS.
[Farm Chemicals Handbook 1984. Willoughby, Ohio: Meister Publishing Co., 1984.,p.
C-71]**PEER REVIEWED**
LIQUID REPELLENT "OFF" IS COMPOSED OF EQUAL PARTS OF /N,NDIETHYL-M-TOLUAMIDE/ AND AN INERT LIQUID; PRESSURIZED SPRAY IS
15% SOLN IN DENATURED ALCOHOL WITH FREON GAS.
[Grant, W. M. Toxicology of the Eye. 2nd ed. Springfield, Illinois: Charles C. Thomas,
1974. 385]**PEER REVIEWED**
Emulsifiable concentrate; Emulsion, water in oil
[Tomlin, C.D.S. (ed.). The Pesticide Manual - World Compendium. 10th ed. Surrey, UK:
The British Crop Protection Council, 1994. 326]**PEER REVIEWED**
Contains a minimum of 95% meta isomer as technical active ingredient; manufacturing
products - 17.5% to 88.89%
[USEPA; Pesticide Reregistration Eligibility Decisions (REDs) Database on DEET (13462-3). USEPA-738/R-98-010. Available from the Database Query Page at
http://www.epa.gov/REDs/ as of Nov 30, 2000.]**PEER REVIEWED**
Impregnated material, 7.15-82.0%; liquid - RTU, 7.00-100%; pressurized liquid, 3.9980.00%; sunscreen/DEET, 7.13-20.00%
[USEPA; Pesticide Reregistration Eligibility Decisions (REDs) Database on DEET (13462-3). USEPA-738/R-98-010. Available from the Database Query Page at
http://www.epa.gov/REDs/ as of Nov 30, 2000.]**PEER REVIEWED**
Administrative Information:
Hazardous Substances Databank Number: 1582
Last Revision Date: 20030326
Last Review Date: Reviewed by SRP on 5/10/2001
Update History:
Complete Update on 03/26/2003, 41 fields added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 11/08/2002, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 01/14/2002, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 08/08/2001, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 06/12/2000, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 03/09/2000, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 02/02/2000, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 09/21/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 08/26/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 03/19/1999, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 06/02/1998, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 02/27/1998, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 10/23/1997, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 09/17/1997, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 05/08/1997, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 10/13/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 08/07/1996, 42 fields added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 01/21/1996, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 12/28/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 09/01/1994, 30 fields added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 03/21/1994, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 04/27/1993, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Field update on 12/21/1992, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Field Update on 03/07/1990, 1 field added/edited/deleted.
Complete Update on 06/04/1985