DEET may be measured in blood, plasma, or urine by gas or liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry to confirm a diagnosis of poisoning by ingestion (swallowing) of large quantities of DEET in hospitalized patients or to provide evidence in a medicolegal death investigation. U.S. Army researchers developed DEET in 1946 given the battles that soldiers fought against mosquitoes in World War II.

Context Explanation

The repellent entered the civilian realm in 1957. Today, DEET is used by more than 200 million people around the world to ward off mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, flies and chiggers. What Is DEET and Is It Bad for You? - Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials DEET (chemical name, N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) is the active ingredient in many insect repellent products.

Insight Material

It is widely used to repel biting pests such as mosquitoes and ticks. DEET has been used in a number of insect repellent products including liquid sprays, lotions, and sticks. It has been estimated that about 30% of the U.S. population uses one or more products that contain DEET every year. Always follow label instructions and take steps to avoid exposure.

Final Conclusion

Deet may mask the odors that attract mosquitoes to humans, or it may confuse their odor-sensing abilities. It may also simply register as an odor to be avoided. DEET is the chemical N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide. The pure chemical is a white to amber-color liquid, with a faint aromatic odor. DEET is the active ingredient in some common repellents widely used to repel biting pests such as mosquitos and ticks. DEET is a chemical (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide) used as the active ingredient in many insect repellent products.

DEET was developed by the U.S. Army in 1946 and was registered for use by the general public in 1957. It is now widely used, with approximately 30% of the U.S. population using DEET repellents each year.