The quality control of insect repellents contributes to the population’s health since these products prevent mosquito bites and vector-borne diseases. In this study, we developed and validated a novel analytical method using high-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) for the quantification of icaridin in insect repellent lotions. The analysis was performed on a phenyl chromatographic column 150 × 4.6 mm, 3.5 μm and stabilized at 30 °C. The detection of icaridin was achieved at 4.5 min with a 20 μL injection volume of the samples. The active ingredient was extracted from the lotion samples with isopropanol and water (50:50 v/v) and then diluted to the working concentration at 0.6 mg/mL with the mobile phase. The calibration curve was linear in the concentration range of 0.1 to 1.2 mg/mL. The method was robust, specific and precise (relative standard deviations—RSD < 2%). The accuracy of the method was demonstrated by icaridin recovery. The limit of detection and quantification were 0.03 mg/mL and 0.1 mg/mL, respectively. The present report puts forward a novel analytical method for the quantification of icaridin, contributing to improving the quality control and efficacy of marketed formulations and their different presentations such as lotions, gels and sprays, demonstrating its good applicability.

Introduction: Quarantine imposed by COVID-19 has brutally affected the lives of all Brazilians. Manifestations of anxiety, depression and sleep disorders skyrocketed, especially in individuals with worse daily habits such as alcohol and tobacco consumption. Objective: To assess the profile of alcohol and tobacco consumers and its impact on mental and sleep health during the pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 in Brazil. Methods: This is a post hoc analysis of the DEGAS-CoV study database, aiming, among an online survey of 2,695 subjects, those who declared to be consumers of alcohol and/or tobacco. Possible depression and anxiety were assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), while sleep by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Results: Smokers were associated to a greater rate of possible anxiety - 65% vs. 56%, OR 1,5 [1,10 — 2,09], and to a worse rate of bad sleep - 68% vs. 48% in non-smokers - OR = 2,33 [1,70 — 3,20]. We did not observe any relevant association regarding alcohol intake and possible anxiety or bad sleep, while levels of depression were lower among those - 42% vs. 50% in non-drinkers - OR = 0,73 [0,62 — 0,85]) - when the group was subdivided, rates of possible depression were of 41% in exclusive drinkers, vs. 48% in those who drank and smoked. Midwest and South inhabitants, people in the third quartile (28-38 y.o.), men, white, people with graduation/postgraduation levels and people with monthly income greater than R$ 10,000/month were more associated with alcohol consumption, whereas people in the last quartile (> 39 y.o.) and men were more associated with smoking. Conclusion: In our sample, smoking was negatively associated to the quality of sleep and to greater propension to possible anxiety, but not to possible depression, while alcohol drinking was not negatively associated to the conditions studied, being even paradoxically associated to lower rates of possible depression. Lastly, alcohol consumption was more heterogenic than tobacco among subgroups. This information may help formulating better health promotion strategies by targeting specific groups in society. Keywords: Quality of life; COVID; Depression; Anxiety; Sleep disorders; Alcohol; Tobacco.

Introduction: Insect repellents are essential for protecting against bites and preventing vector-borne diseases such as dengue. N,N-Diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET) is the most widely used synthetic active ingredient in these formulations. Given the importance of repellent use in the Brazilian epidemiological context, ensuring product quality and regulatory compliance is crucial. However, laboratories within the National Network of Health Surveillance Laboratories (RNLVISA) currently do not offer assays for the quantification of the active ingredients in topical repellents. Objectives: This study, conducted by the Center for Physical and Chemical Testing of Cosmetics and Disinfectants (NFQC), aimed to develop and validate a high-performance liquid chromatography method with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) for the quantification of DEET and quality verification of commercial formulations. Method: Analyses were performed using a C8 column (125 × 4.6 mm, 5 μm), a mobile phase of acetonitrile:water (40:60 v/v), a flowrate of 1 mL/min, an injection volume of 20 μL, and detection at 210 nm. The method was validated following the ICH and AOAC guidelines and applied to six commercial samples, including one formulation imported from Australia. The active ingredient content, pH, and labeling compliance were evaluated. Results: The method demonstrated compliance with the validation parameters. Two samples showed labeling nonconformities; one sample had a pH below the manufacturer’s specification, and the other had an active ingredient content above the permitted range. Conclusions: The developed method proved suitable for the quantification of DEET, meeting the validation criteria. Its application to commercial samples revealed nonconformities related to the active content, pH, and labeling, reinforcing the need for systematic quality control measures.

Os repelentes de insetos desempenham um papel essencial na prevenção de doenças transmitidas por artrópodes, mas suas regulamentações variam globalmente. Este estudo comparou as legislações do Brasil, Europa, Estados Unidos e Austrália quanto à classificação, concentrações permitidas de substâncias ativas e requisitos de rotulagem. No Brasil, são classificados como cosméticos; na Europa, biocidas; nos EUA, pesticidas; e na Austrália, produtos químicos agrícolas. Apesar do objetivo comum de garantir segurança e eficácia para proteger a saúde pública, essas diferenças regulatórias destacam os desafios na harmonização e no acesso global a esses produtos.