[Rodney King]

So in other words, the practically drowned the rats every day in a dosage that was desgined for animals that are 1,000 times heavier than rats.

[blam]

"So in other words, the practically drowned the rats every day in a dosage that was desgined for animals that are 1,000 times heavier than rats."

I've read a number of articles about the "Gulf War Syndrome." This DEET seems to be a component in this illness. (The GI's used the 'military version' there in the desert)

[Ispy4u]

As usual with any laboratory tests they will overdose the animals to see if the chemical has any effect on them. Although you need to know a few things about nerve agents to understand that DEET can be tested this way and the results not be skewed.

Nerve agents attack the receptors on the ends of the nerves exposed to them.
Once they are attached they stay attached forever.
That means that the effects are cumulative over the life of the person.
Every time you use DEET you expose yourself to a very mild dose of nerve agent. That is why they warn you about applying directly to the skin, most will advise you to spray your clothes.
There is nothing wrong with using DEET to protect yourself from insects. I think the benefits far outweigh the risks of not using and exposing yourself to a vector insect for disease.
Unless you are at risk of being exposed to a real nerve agent, which is why I only use DEET when traveling in 3rd world countries where more disease is likely to spread by insect vector.

My 2 cents.

[moderation_is_not_a_bad_thing]

You might be right or wrong here, but the guy sounds reasonable. He wasn't screaming that the sky is falling or that we should ban DEET; he just urged caution especially around children. Seems sensible to me.