|
Citronella oil is one of the essential oils obtained from the leaves and stems of different species of Cymbopogon. The oil is used extensively as a source of perfumery chemicals such as citronellal, citronellol and geraniol. These chemicals find extensive use in soap, perfumery, cosmetic and flavouring industries throughout the world.
oil is also a renowned plant-based insect repellent, and has been registered for this use in the United States since 1948. The United States Environmental Protection Agency' considers oil of citronella as a biopesticide with a non-toxic mode of action. Research also shows that citronella has strong antifungal properties, and is effective in calming barking dogs.
Use as an insect repellent
oil is popular as a 'natural' insect repellent. Its mosquito repellent qualities have been verified by research, including effectiveness in repelling Aedes aegypti (yellow fever mosquito). To be continually effective most citronella repellent formulas need to be reapplied to the skin every 3060 minutes.
Research also indicates that oil is an effective repellent for body louse and head louse.
Citronella may irritate skin and cause dermatitis in certain individuals. It should not be used on the skin of young children (under 3 years old).
The US Environmental Protection Agency states that citronella has little or no toxicity when used as a topical insect repellent, with no reports of adverse effects of concern over a 60 year period. Because some products are applied to human skin, EPA requires proper precautionary labeling to help assure safe use. If used according to label instructions in the US, citronella is not expected to pose health risks to people, including children and other sensitive populations. The US Food & Drug Administration consider citronella as generally recognized as safe (GRAS).
Canadian regulatory concerns with citronella as an insect repellent are primarily based on data-gaps in toxicology, not on incidents. In Europe, Ceylon type oil is placed on the category 3 list, with some safety concern regarding methyl eugenol.
|
