×
Newsmax TV & Webwww.newsmax.comFREE - In Google Play
VIEW
×
Newsmax TV & Webwww.newsmax.comFREE - On the App Store
VIEW
Tags: bug | spray | repellent | mosquitoes

New Bug Spray Labels Reveal How Long They Work

Friday, 18 July 2014 01:34 PM EDT

A new graphic for insect repellent labels will show consumers how many hours the product will protect them from mosquitoes and/or ticks, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says.

"We are working to create a system that does for bug repellents what SPF [sun-protection factor] labeling did for sunscreens," Jim Jones, assistant administrator of the EPA's Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention, said in an agency news release.

Use of the graphic is voluntary and insect repellent makers who want to use it must submit an application that includes test results proving how long their product works. The graphic is limited to products applied directly to the skin and could start appearing on insect repellants early next year.

Current labels on skin-applied insect repellents do a poor job of informing consumers about which insects a product protects against and how long it works, according to the EPA. Officials say the new graphic will make it easier for people to select an appropriate insect repellent.

"By providing vital information to consumers, this new graphic will help parents, hikers and the general public better protect themselves and their families from serious health threats caused by mosquitoes and ticks," Jones said. "We are encouraging manufacturers to submit applications so they can add the graphic to their registered repellent products."

The EPA and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urge people to use insect repellents and take other measures to protect themselves from biting insects that carry serious diseases.

Mosquitoes can transmit West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis. Ticks can transmit Rocky Mountain spotted fever, ehrlichiosis and Lyme disease. There are about 300,000 cases of tick-transmitted Lyme disease in the United States each year, according to the CDC.

© HealthDay


Health-News
A new graphic for insect repellent labels will show consumers how many hours the product will protect them from mosquitoes and/or ticks,the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says. We are working to create a system that does for bug repellents what SPF [sun-protection...
bug, spray, repellent, mosquitoes
287
2014-34-18
Friday, 18 July 2014 01:34 PM
Newsmax Media, Inc.

Sign up for Newsmax’s Daily Newsletter

Receive breaking news and original analysis - sent right to your inbox.

(Optional for Local News)
Privacy: We never share your email address.
Join the Newsmax Community
Read and Post Comments
Please review Community Guidelines before posting a comment.
 
Find Your Condition
Get Newsmax Text Alerts
TOP

The information presented on this website is not intended as specific medical advice and is not a substitute for professional medical treatment or diagnosis. Read Newsmax Terms and Conditions of Service.

Newsmax, Moneynews, Newsmax Health, and Independent. American. are registered trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc. Newsmax TV, and Newsmax World are trademarks of Newsmax Media, Inc.

NEWSMAX.COM
© Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved
NEWSMAX.COM
© Newsmax Media, Inc.
All Rights Reserved