한은정 (서울시보건환경연구원)

한은정 (서울시보건환경연구원)

한은정 (서울시보건환경연구원)

한성희 (서울시보건환경연구원)

문수진 (서울시보건환경연구원)

홍성초 (서울시보건환경연구원)

문정건 (서울시보건환경연구원)

고숙경 (서울시보건환경연구원)

김미선 (서울시보건환경연구원)

김현정 (서울시보건환경연구원)

박주성 (서울시보건환경연구원)

Personal insect repellents prevent bites by interfering with insects’ ability to detect human scent and are typically formulated with synthetic ingredients such as diethyltoluamide(DEET), icaridin or natural substances like citronella oil. Natural aroma-based repellents may contain methyl eugenol, a compound associated with toxicological concerns, as well as allergenic substances including citronellol, geraniol and linalool, which are known to potentially cause allergic reactions. This study was conducted to evaluate the safety of personal insect repellents by determining the levels of methyl eugenol and allergenic substances. A total of 52 products were analyzed and validated using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) in accordance with the ordinances of the Ministry of Environment and Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. Methyl eugenol, as an unintended contaminant, was detected in 5 out of 13 consumer chemical products at concentrations ranging from 0.95 to 4.00 mg/kg, while it was not detected in the other products. Allergenic substances were quantified in 36 samples, with the following concentration ranges: citronellol (0.01–4.07%), geraniol (0.01–9.65%), eugenol (0.01–0.32%), linalool (0.004–0.28%), and α-terpineol (0.004–0.05%). This study is expected to contribute to the futher safety evaluation and regulatory management of personal insect repellents.​