The Department of Defense (DoD) utilizes a system of two chemical components in conjunction with the field dress uniform. The EPA approved components of this system include the insecticide permethrin and the insect repellent deet (N, N-diethyl-m-tiluarnide) in concentrations less than 33%.
An interesting side note: The effectiveness of permethrin can be shown in the following report highlight that was reported in a very matter of fact statement. During testing in the Everglades,
"Mosquitoes were also repelled because of the side-stream effect caused by numerous treated uniforms within the same general location. This required that the test site be moved to locate more mosquitoes!" Now that's performance . . .
Permethrin Tick Tests:
Test on ticks conducted in Massachusetts concluded that 100% protection was provided against the Deer tick (Ixodes Scapularis) which is the primary vector of Lyme disease in the Midwest and Northeast.
The same outstanding results occurred when testing the Western Black Legged tick, Lone Star tick, American Dog tick and Brown Dog tick. Similar results have been found with other tick species throughout the United States and Europe.
Two detergent washings did not diminish repellent killing action of permethrin-treated uniforms. In tests, ticks that crossed only 10 inches of treated fabric fell from the uniform, later dying due to this limited exposure.
Note:
Military application of permethrin (Permethrin Arthropod Repellent) varies from civilian application in that 4.5 ounces are applied to the uniform and the remaining contents of the 6 ounce container used to treat mosquito netting.
The difference in application also results in increased protection.
It is specified that "reapply after six weeks and sixth laundering." The additional 1.5 ounces doubled the 2 to 3 week protection realized from the civilian application of 3 ounces.
Full protection is realized by use of permethrin AND application of standard issue repellent approved for skin application (3M Ultrathon)
DEET (N, N-.diethyl-m-tiluamide): is an approved repellent for skin application. Exposure to high concentrations of deet can pose some limited health hazards.
At the time concentrations of 33% as provided in the 3M Ultrathon product were chosen by the U.S. Military for its superior performance and high margin of safety.
Up until the 3M Ultrathon was chosen the military had been using a 100% deet.
It was uncomfortable to wear and easily damaged certain materials synthetic and plastics.
Since the 3M Ultrathon introduction, some new developments have been made using deet in special micro encapsulated formulas that have tested quite well and last up to 20 hours between applications against certain insect species.
Deet-based products are available in a wide variety of formulas that can address the very specific needs of the individual traveler, outdoors person, family member and even young children.
Early research on deet showed that performance dropped off when concentrations of 35% or higher were tested.
As an example, if a 30% deet concentration offers satisfactory repellent action for four hours, an assumption that a 60% deet would last eight hours is not correct.
The 60% product may only last about 5 hours.
n the use of standard deet formulas, it is more effective to use lower concentrations of deet with more frequent application than to assume the higher concentrations to be longer lasting. They are not.
Most brand-name deet-based products already have a deet range from 15% to 33%.
Once the threat of insect/tick bite is over, the repellent should be washed off.
Deet by itself tested between 85% to 89% effective at repelling ticks (deet does not kill either ticks or mosquitoes) and 97% against mosquitoes.
The DoD system consists of both permethrin treated clothing and deet applied to skin.
The use of one without the other will undermine the system and increase the risk of insect or tick bite.
Many non-deet products are available on the market and are not part of the DoD protection system.
They show ineffective repellent performance and are not recommended for any situation where disease transmission is a threat.
Posted by hiker53 (Member # 6046) on :
Yes, but this clothing from Europe can take up to 80 washes. The stuff I use (Sawyer) can take only 6 washes.
I highly doubt the USA is using this advanced fabric, but that is just my guess.
Posted by Ann-Ohio (Member # 44364) on :
Thank you, Google! I split up the info from tick info for easier reading. I haven't looked through the DOD info, but it is voluminous!
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
In the video, they mention permethrin being in the material .. or something similar.
(with their accent it was hard to tell what was said)
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Robin,
Thanks so much for posting this. Very informative and startling, too (what their tick sweeps bring to light).
And so amazing to see what happens to the ticks (yet also why I'd not want to be breathing this or have it absorb).
I like the idea of it being on the outside of fabrics but I'd never want that next to my skin. This is where a light layer of cotton clothes underneath would come in very handy, indeed and keep the outer layer for the outer layer.
The idea of washing clothing with any chemical is really serious, too. It all goes back into the water table for plants (that we eat down the line), fish, water foul, and for us to drink, too.
I doubt that all these chemicals are filtered out. Better not to let them get into the water system in the first place and keep these clothes as outer garments. It they get dirty, maybe do a wipe down or gently spray with a little water outside as we remove them.
If an inner layer of cotton clothing is worn, that will keep the inside of the special clothes fresher on the inside. -
[ 07-11-2015, 03:53 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posted by Robin123 (Member # 9197) on :
Thx for responses everyone, and for your DoD info, Ann - I was wondering.
I think clothing like this should be extended to everyone who's out in nature, like law enforcement, etc.
Has anyone ever scientifically checked out the issue of permethrin and other repellents in the water supply?
Posted by LymeThyme (Member # 27926) on :
Insect Shield clothing, available in the US, is also rated to last through 80 washings.
I have been wearing Insect Shield clothing to walk dogs and garden in my Lyme endemic area for over a year with good results. Unfortunately, I was recently bitten and re-infected in my house, but it had nothing to do with the clothing!
I also wear an Insect Shield treated hat. I think the brand is Exficio. The clothing is very expensive but excellent quality. I have not been bothered by mosquitoes, ticks, or gnats while wearing it.