DEET warning for electronic equipment

[jackinnj]

a brief screed appeared in the current issue of QST warning of problems with DEET -- not an environmental warning but the fact that various plastics used as battery holders literally "melt" with the inadvertent application of this common and effective mosquito repellant. One ham radio operator reported that a plastic case appeared to melt when held in the hand he used to apply DEET insecticide.

[jewilson]

jackinnj,

Thanks for the warning, I'll be sure not to take my stereo on a camping trip.

[sam9]

Yup. I had a an SLR body destroyed a few years back in a camping trip whrn DEET on my hands eat the plastic bits. I'm not sure how often audio gear and bug repelant meet but it is one more argument for metal enclosutes.

[jewilson]

So, I wonder if it is really the DEET or some agent added with the DEET. In addition, some of the DEET formulas can get quite in concentration.

[Ropie]

Originally posted by jackinnj One ham radio operator reported that a plastic case appeared to melt when held in the hand he used to apply DEET insecticide.

Are you sure this wasn't just the effect of inhaling too many DEET fumes?

[Brian Donaldson]

It's the deet. I had a little bottle in the cup holder in my van that leaked and melted through to the motor box. I thought it was the low rent plastic used by Dodge.