Chuseok Tomb-Sweeping: Beware of Mosquitoes and Ticks... "Check Age Restrictions Before Using Repellents"

DEET Content 10% or Less Safe for Infants 6 Months and Older
Caution Advised with Scented Bracelets and Stickers

When engaging in outdoor activities such as visiting family graves or going on outings during the Chuseok holiday, it is important to check the age restrictions for use of mosquito and tick repellents based on their active ingredients. In particular, bracelet and sticker-type products sold on the market require extra caution, as they are not approved as non-pharmaceutical mosquito repellents by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.

Image related to mosquitoes. National Institute of Health and Environment Research

According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety on September 25, non-pharmaceutical repellents are products that block or repel mosquitoes or ticks from approaching people. Before use, consumers should check the active ingredients and age standards to select a product suitable for the user. Special care is needed as the permissible age for use differs depending on the ingredients, especially for children and infants.

For example, DEET (Diethyltoluamide), a common repellent ingredient, can be used by infants aged six months and older if the concentration does not exceed 10%. Products containing DEET in concentrations above 10% but at or below 30% are only suitable for those aged 12 and above. Products containing icaridin should not be used for infants under six months of age. For ethyl butylacetylaminopropionate (IR3535), a doctor should be consulted before using it on infants under six months. Para-menthane-3,8-diol can be used from age four and above.

Repellents should be sprayed or thinly applied to exposed skin such as arms, legs, and neck, or to clothing, socks, and shoes. When applying to the face, do not spray directly; instead, dispense a small amount onto your hand and carefully apply, avoiding the eyes and mouth area.

When applying repellents to children, it is safer for the guardian to dispense the product onto their own hands and then apply it to the child's skin, rather than letting the child use the product themselves. This is because children frequently touch their eyes and mouth with their hands, increasing the risk of the product coming into contact with mucous membranes.

The repellent effect usually lasts for 4 to 5 hours per application. It is recommended not to reapply within four hours, as using excessive amounts or repeated application for extended periods can cause allergic or hypersensitivity reactions.

After returning home, it is important to wash skin treated with repellent with soap and water, and to launder clothing and socks before wearing them again. Repellents should not be applied to wounds, inflamed skin, mucous membranes, around the eyes and mouth, or to skin that is red and sensitive from sun exposure. If abnormal reactions such as redness appear, or if the product gets into the eyes, wash thoroughly with plenty of water and seek medical attention if necessary.

Consumers should also be cautious with so-called “scented bracelets and stickers” sold in the market. Currently, none of the non-pharmaceutical mosquito repellents approved by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety come in bracelet or sticker form. The ministry explained that consumers may mistakenly perceive scented bracelets or stickers, which are general consumer products, as mosquito repellents.

When purchasing repellent products, check that the packaging or container is labeled “non-pharmaceutical.” Product names and approval status can be verified on the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's “Drug Safety Information Portal.” A ministry official stated, “We plan to continuously provide safety information so that consumers can use non-pharmaceutical products commonly used in daily life with confidence.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.