EPA launched new website for insect repellents information

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched a new Web page containing product information on certain skin-applied insect repellents. EPA’s goal is to provide the public with information on registered insect repellents and their effectiveness claims in a clear, consistent, and user-friendly format.

"EPA’s release of information on the effectiveness of insect repellents will help American consumers select the right product for their needs and protect themselves and their children from potentially devastating diseases spread by mosquitoes and ticks, such as West Nile virus and Lyme disease,” said Steve Owens, assistant administrator for EPA’s Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances. “This Web-based dissemination of information supports Administrator Jackson’s goals of transparency and public access and protecting children’s health.”

The new Web page contains two tables listing insect repellent products that are registered by the agency: those that control mosquitoes and ticks, and those that only control mosquitoes. The Web page compiles publicly available information on protection times based on product effectiveness data reviewed by EPA, and presents it in a format that makes it easy for consumers to make informed risk management decisions to protect their health and that of their families and children. The Web page also contains information on vector-borne diseases such as West Nile virus and Lyme disease, and the importance of personal protection measures.

The Web page can be accessed at http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/health/mosquitoes/insectrp.htm