Health Canada Might Swat Citronella From Shelves
MONTREAL - Health Canada is considering a proposal to phase out citronella, the popular insect repellent.
It says the manufacturers have not provided the government agency with enough proof that the product is safe.
INDEPTH Citronella FAQ
The smell of citronella repels mosquitoes. Citronella is the main ingredient in candles and incense burned at campgrounds across the country.
Health Canada says burning citronella does not pose health risks. Citronella's application to the skin has raised concerns.
"There is no imminent health risk," says Chris Krepski of Health Canada. "However... at higher doses, there were some hazards identified, but we needed the data to properly characterize the risks."
Although Health Canada has no conclusive proof that citronella is dangerous, the ministry prefers to play it safe, and plans to phase out the topical insect repellent.
QUICK STATS: Bug Spray Effectiveness
Biologist Edith Smeesters says Health Canada has picked the wrong target.
"There are much more dangerous products on the market that are still there and in particular Deet. I wouldn't use Deet on my child and I would be using citronella," Smeesters says.
MARKETPLACE - The Deet Debate
Skin products containing citronella won't disappear right away.
Health Canada is giving the industry two months to prove their products are safe.
If they can't make a compelling safety argument, candles and incense may soon be the only products containing citronella that Health Canada will approve for use.
SOURCE: CBC Montreal
EMAIL ALERTS
