"Common Insect Repellent Affects Nervous System: Study"  "PARIS
-- One of the world's most common insect repellents acts on the
central nervous system in the same way as some insecticides and
nerve gases, according to a study released on Wednesday.
Moderate use of the chemical compound, called deet, is most
likely safe, the researchers say.   The researchers say further
studies are 'urgently needed' to assess deet's potential
toxicity to humans, especially when combined with other chemical
compounds.  Their findings may also shed some light on the so-
called 'Gulf War Syndrome,' the name given to a complex and
variable mix of neurological symptoms reported by tens of
thousands of US military veterans who served in the first Gulf
War against Iraq in 1990-1991.  Developed by US Department of
Agriculture scientists just after World War II, deet has been
available as a bug repellent for more than five decades."
Marlowe Hood reports for AFP August 4, 2009.  Source: AFP,
08/05/2009