I write about environmental issues that affect your home. Environmental issues come in many forms, ranging from naturally existing toxins to those created by man. And then there are the toxins transmitted by insects. In the past three years, few have become as notorious as the West Nile virus, transmitted by mosquitos.

While originally confined to a few states, now the virus has traveled through much ofthe United States. Similar to the black mold phenomenon, one wonders where this virus has been for all the years thatmost of us never heard a word about it. To most of us, it appears to be brand new, but it isn't.

The West Nile virus is spread by mosquitos. It can make people ill and in a few cases has resulted in death. People want to know how they can leave their home and do gardening or take a walk, while being protected from this disease

The answer, according to the feds, is DEET. Insecticides with DEET appear to work much better than those without it. So think DEET.

Insect repellants help people reduce their exposure to the mosquito bites that can possibly carry the West Nile virus. These repellants should be applied when individuals are going outdoors and will be at risk of becoming bitten by mosquitos. Follow the instructions carefully, especially those that pertain to the amount of insecticide to be used, the precautions that are necessary, and the length of time that the application remains effective.

Some studies suggest that many mosquitos that carry the West Nile virus are especially likely to bite around dusk and dawn. I guess we all kind of know that. People who are outdoors during these times are particularly prone and therefore should seriously consider using insect repellants.

However, since some mosquitos also bite during the day, it is suggested that people give serious consideration to applying repellants any time they are outdoors and are at risk.

The repellants make people unattractive to mosquitos by literally repelling them. Mosquitos need protein from human blood to help develop their eggs and mosquitos are less likely to draw blood from individuals with repellants that contain DEET.

Deet does not kill mosquitos. It only makes humans wearing it undesirable targets. The more DEET in a particular repellant, the longer it can protect an individual from mosquito bites. A higher percentage of DEET does not mean that your protection is better, it only means that it will last longer.

However, according to the federal government, DEET concentrations exceeding 50% do not increase the length of protection. So do not exceed 50%, or you will be wasting your money.

Some non-DEET products which are intended to be applied directly to the skin provide some level of protection from mosquito bites. However, DEET seems to have the others beat.

For maximum safety, the government recommends using enough repellant to coverexposed skin or clothing and not to apply repellant to skin that is underclothing. Repellant should not be applied to cuts, wounds or irritated skin and it should be washed off after returning inside.

Also, do not apply DEET containing products directly to your face. The government suggests that DEET be applied to your hands and then carefully rubbed onto your face avoiding eyes and your mouth.

DEET products do have warning labels. Read them and understand the risks associated with using DEET before deciding to use it.

For many, DEET appears to be a relatively safe means of combating the West Nile virus.

The information provided in this column is written by Stuart Lieberman,a practicing environmental attorney, and is for general information purposes only. It is not legal advice and should not be used in place of legal advice.

Stuart Lieberman, Esq., and IRED.Com, Inc., will not accept any responsibilty for any reliance on the information in this column or any damages whatsoever resulting from reading this column.