News
A New Study Suggests the Insect Repellent DEET Might Affect Reproductive Systems
Researchers made the findings after examining the effects of the chemical on worms. They say more studies are needed about the potential impact on people.
By Victoria St. Martin
For years, researchers studying DEET—the chemical that’s widely used in insect repellants—have noted how in some cases it can harm brain cells, cause seizures and adversely affect the central nervous system. Now a group of scientists at Harvard University have found that the substance may jeopardize reproductive functions, too.
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