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Buzz Off Insect Shield shall be part of my VERY limited packing list.
I spend 8 months of the year traveling and teaching ecology to undergraduate students.This past year, I chose Buzz Off Insect Shield for my insect protection shirt. In my travels, insects are not merely a nuisance, but can be life-threatening or at least, trip-ending.The shirt went everywhere. It looked stylish and performed beyond my expectations both in cities and extreme rural areas (living with Masai in Tanzania, researching organic cotton farms in central India,hiking in New Zealand, exploring Zapotec mountain communities in Mexico). It soon became indispensable and much envied. I'm signed up for another similar year and Buzz Off Insect Shield shall be part of my VERY limited packing list."
J.Lee(Jones, PhD, Boston, MA)
The individuals who provided these testimonials have received no compensation,
and do not have any financial relationship with Buzz Off Insect Shield.
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Research
Knockdown Testing Overview
Knockdown, or “KD,” testing is a widely accepted scientific laboratory methodology for determining the efficacy of insect repellent-treated textile products. Many recognized agencies utilize KD testing for this purpose, including the World Health Organization (WHO), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). One of the advantages of KD testing is that no human subjects are exposed to insects. A repellent-treated textile sample is placed in an enclosed space containing insects for a specified time period, after which the sample is removed and the insects’ reaction is documented.
Average knockdown is determined using at least 10 replicates of a particular species and wash combination.
Ixodes scapularis is a carrier of Lyme disease.Average knockdown is determined using at least 10 replicates of a particular species and wash combination.
What are the benefits of Insect Shield vs. other forms of insect protection?
One advantage of using Insect Shield Apparel and Gear is that the repellency is long lasting, requiring no re-application. This convenience factor can be significant for many outdoor pursuits. Insect Shield protection is also odorless and invisible, and, unlike traditional insect repellents, the repellency is near your skin, instead of on it, which can help alleviate concerns about overuse or misuse of insect repellent.
Comparison of Insect Shield to Topical Repellents
There may be other brands and/or concentrations of the above-listed topical repellents that have characteristics different from those of the products used for this chart.
How does Insect Shield compare according to the EPA?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issues a consumer labeling category rating for each product registered. Insect Shield has been rated a category IV by the EPA, which is the most favorable rating issued.
EPA Toxicity Categories for Consumer Labeling
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Category I
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DANGER
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Category II
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WARNING
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Category III
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CAUTION
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Category IV
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NONE REQUIRED
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The overall category is determined by the most severe route of exposure
(i.e., oral, dermal, ocular and inhalation)
Examples of Consumer Labeling Categories of Common Household Products
The overall toxicity category is determined by the most severe route of exposure.
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Product
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Overall Category
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Bleach
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I
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Liquid Disinfectant Bowl Cleaner
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I
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Disinfectant Antibacterial Kitchen Cleaner
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II
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Mildew Remover
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II
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Insect Repellent, 23% DEET
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II
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Insect Repellent, 15% DEET
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II
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Insect-Repellent Clothing and Gear Spray, 0.5% permethrin
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III
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Disinfectant Daily Shower Cleaner
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III
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Military-Style Insect-Repellent Clothing Treatment, 0.5% permethrin
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III
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Insect Repellent for Kids, 7% DEET
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III
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Tick Repellent Spray, 0.5% permethrin
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III
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Insect Shield® Repellent Apparel
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IV
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Note: Similar sounding products with different EPA registration numbers may not be comparable in toxicity to those shown above.
Can Insect Shield apparel and gear be used by children, infants and pregnant women?
Use of Insect Shield products by children of all ages, and pregnant women, is consistent with the EPA registrations of both Insect Shield apparel and gear.
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