The Dangers Of Sunscreen And Bug Spray

Thursday, August 30th 2007, 5:00 pm

By: News On 6

You could be poisoning your children and not even know it. University of Oklahoma doctors say two everyday items can be toxic if used together. News On 6 anchor Scott Thompson reports sunscreen and bug spray are summertime staples, now researchers say using them together in the wrong way could be hazardous to your health.

This time of year bug spray flies off drug store shelves. Many say this season's wet weather has produced an army of mosquitoes, and they're preparing for battle. Summer's other big seller is sunscreen. While shoppers are calculating SPF's, researchers are investigating the dangerous consequences of combining sun block and bug spray.

"If they're both in solution at one time, it appears that you can increase the amount that gets into the system," said Dr. Bill Banner, Poison Control Medical Director.

Toxicologist Dr. Bill Banner points to new research that says using bug repellant and sunscreen together can have potentially toxic side effects. He says the combination makes it easier for the chemical DEET in bug spray to be absorbed into the skin. Too much can cause seizures and he says children are at highest risk.

"They've got a lot of skin for their size and so if you apply it, it can get absorbed and have a greater impact on the body," said Dr. Banner.

Banner says there's a right way to protect your family from sunburns, bug bites and too many toxins.

"Put the insect repellant on, let it dry so it's not there in its liquid phase, and then go ahead and apply the sunscreen so you don't get as much absorption through the skin," he said.

Dr. Banner says the worst thing to do is avoid using one or the other. He says it isn't worth taking a gamble with West Nile or skin cancer.

"It is far worse to take the risks of getting a severe sunburn or getting repeatedly bitten by mosquitoes and getting a viral encephalitis in the summer time, so we don't want to discourage the use, there's just some reasonable precautions that people can take," Dr. Banner said.

Doctor Banner says they also tested sunscreens that include an insect repellant. He says those are safe.

So far, the doctor doesn't know of any cases of DEET poisoning in Oklahoma.

Pediatricians tell The News On 6 insect repellants containing DEET are the most effective protection against mosquito bites, but toxicologists say there are smart ways to apply them. You should look for the spray's DEET concentration. To be effective, the repellant needs at least 7% DEET. But sprays with more than 7% DEET can be harmful to kids, so more potent sprays should only be used on children's clothing, not their skin.

You shouldn't use bug spray at all on children less than two months old. Doctors recommend keeping newborns inside, especially around dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are out in full force.

Watch the video: Bug Spray With Sunscreen Could Pose Danger To Children