Table 1.
Results of toxicity testing of DEET on animals reported to the USEPA[11]
| Test type | Animal | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Acute oral toxicity |
Rat |
Oral LD50 = 2170–3664 mg/kg |
| |
|
Toxicity category III: Slightly toxic and slightly irritating |
| Acute dermal toxicity |
Rabbit |
Dermal LD50 = 4280 mg/kg |
| |
|
Toxicity category III: Slightly toxic and slightly irritating |
| Acute inhalation toxicity |
Rat |
Inhalation LD50 = 5.95 mg/kg |
| |
|
Toxicity category IV: Practically non-toxic and not an irritant |
| Subchronic (90 day) oral toxicity |
Rat |
Renal effects found in exposed male rats of two of three strains tested so no NOEL established. |
| Subchronic (90 day) oral toxicity |
Hamster |
NOEL: 61 mg/kg/day |
| |
|
LEL: 305 mg/kg/day |
| Subchronic (90 day) dermal toxicity |
Rat |
Renal lesions in all male rats treated so no NOEL established |
| Subchronic (90 day) dermal toxicity |
Micropigs |
NOEL: 1000 mg/kg/day |
| Chronic (2 year) toxicity |
Rats and dogs |
NOEL: 100 mg/kg/day |
| |
|
LEL: 400 mg/kg/day |
| |
|
No carcinogenic effects |
| Chronic (78 weeks) toxicity |
Mice |
NOEL: 500 mg/kg/day |
| |
|
LEL: 1000 mg/kg/day |
| |
|
No carcinogenic effects |
| Reproductive toxicity |
Rats |
NOEL: 250 mg/kg/day (highest dose tested) |
| Developmental and maternal toxicity |
Rats |
NOEL: 250 mg/kg/day |
| |
|
LEL: 750 mg/kg/day |
| Developmental toxicity | Rabbits | NOEL: 325 mg/kg/day (Highest dose tested) |