DEET (N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide)

CAS ID #: 134-62-3

Affected Organ Systems: Dermal (Skin), Neurological (Nervous System)

Cancer Classification: EPA: Not classifiable as to human carcinogenicity. IARC: Not evaluated. NTP: Not evaluated

Please contact NTP, IARC, or EPA’s IRIS Hotline with questions on cancer and cancer classification.

Chemical Classification: Halogenated pesticides and related compounds

Summary: 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. DEET products are currently available in a variety of forms: liquids, lotions, sprays, and even impregnated materials, such as wristbands. Formulations registered for direct application to human skin contain from 4% to 100% DEET. Approximately 230 products containing DEET are currently registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).