DEET Seen as Safe for Pregnant Women to Avoid Zika Virus
With the recent outbreak of the harmful Zika virus in Central American and South America, the Environmental Protection Agency along with the Center for Disease Control have been quick to research preventative methods in case the virus could spread to the United States. Zika is spread through infected mosquitoes and can be particularity harmful to pregnant women, as it has been proven to cause birth defects.
Numerous studies have been completed and appropriations have been devoted to try and determine whether or not the insect repellent, DEET, would have any adverse affect on pregnant women. In 2010, researchers analyzed the blood of 150 pregnant New Jersey woman to check their umbilical cords for a range of pesticides. According to the study's senior author, Mark Robson, DEET was not found at remarkable levels and the babies were born at normal weight, length, and circumference. Numerous other studies done in the past have confirmed that DEET will not harm unborn babies if used by pregnant mothers. However, for pregnant women who are concerned with pesticide levels, doctors recommend using a lower dosage of DEET and applying more often.
With the virus expecting to spread to the Gulf Coast of the US by the Summer, the EPA has issued a statement that DEET is safe for pregnant women to use as a preventative measure against the Zika virus. In 2014 a safety review by the EPA did not identify, "any risks or concern to human health," with DEET as long as the instructions were followed.
This article reveals an excellent example of the part bureaucrats play in various aspects of society. Without the EPA and the CDC keeping an eye on the spread of the Zika virus, Americans living near the Gulf would have very little resources in knowing what to do to protect themselves.Without the EPA doing research and releasing statements, the CDC would not know what to recommend for treatment or prevention. The partnership of the EPA and CDC in this potential crisis will undoubtedly save many lives and prevent birth defects among many unborn American children near the Gulf. Without bureaucrats to keep an eye on the spread of the virus, Americans would have no way of knowing what to do to protect themselves. Although bureaucrats tend to get a bad reputation, they are critical to keeping the government up and running, protecting American citizens, and making sure that many aspects of life in America are to the highest standard.
Source: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/04/05/health/zika-virus-deet-pregant-women-safety.html?rref=collection%2Ftimestopic%2FEnvironmental%20Protection%20Agency&action=click&contentCollection=timestopics®ion=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=3&pgtype=collection
Want to know more about the Zika virus? Watch this informative video: http://www.nytimes.com/video/world/americas/100000004185544/understanding-zika-virus.html
