Fredriksson_Urban_NOK@kista.relay.nokia.fi (06/20/91)
From: Fredriksson_Urban_NOK@kista.relay.nokia.fi
The past eight years there has been occasional reports on Swedish
Defence Research Establishment project to find a better insect
repellant, because what existed then smelled, wasn't 100%
effective, affected some plastics, could cause allergy and there
was concern about potential toxicity to the user.
The 'old-style' military issue repellant
(also available in drugstores) contained:
45,0 % 2-etyl-1,3-hexandiol
24,6 % N,N-dietyl-m-toluamid (DEET)
10,4 % dimetylftalat
Three years ago they revealed that they had found 'certain
chemicals' in 'some plants' which were effective, but research
would continue. Last summer, they revealed the active chemical:
Dietyl-almond-acid (DEM) [This might not be its correct English
name, I just translated], and that it would be commercially
available soon.
With this, the most powerful repellants were banned, but the
DEET-based are still allowed in Sweden. How good the DEM-based is
I cannot vouch for, yet. It does have a warning label, but not as
severe as the 'old-style'.
--
Urban Fredriksson, Stockholm, Sweden (who ONLY speaks for himself!)
urban@kista.relay.nokia.fi
"A weapon is a device for making your enemy change his mind."