EPA unveils new graphic for labeling.

• Position: Insect Repellent

A new graphic that will be available to appear on insect repellent product labels has been unveiled by the Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C. The graphic shows consumers how many hours a product will repel mosquitoes and ticks when used as directed.

"We are working to create a system that does for bug repellents what SPF [sun protection factor] labeling did for sunscreens," says Jim Jones, assistant administrator of the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention. "By providing vital information to consumers, this new graphic will help parents, hikers, and the general public better protect themselves and their families from serious health threats caused by mosquitoes and ticks. We are encouraging manufacturers to submit applications so they can add the graphic to their registered repellent products."

Both the EPA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Ga., are urging the public to use insect repellents and take other precautions to avoid biting insects that carry serious diseases. Ticks can transmit Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, and ehrlichiosis; mosquitoes, debilitating diseases that include West Nile virus and St. Louis encephalitis.

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