Many families could be putting their health at risk by using potentially harmful insect repellents, according to experts.

A study by the University of Angers stated that mosquito sprays favoured by lots of holidaymakers from the UK contain a neurotoxic chemical called diethyltoluamide or DEET.

Researchers warned that this can be damaging to the nervous system and be particularly harmful to youngsters aged under six and pregnant women.

Dr Vincent Corbel, one of the participants in the study, has therefore recommended that these people avoid using products containing DEET altogether.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, he commented: "I am not saying that DEET in normal use kills people but to be very careful as to the concentration, time of application and the target people."

While it is good to advise caution, I can't help but think that switching to natural skin care products would be a much safer course of action.

Sprays such as Incognito are 100 per cent natural and contain no DEET at all, which means users could enjoy the peace of mind of not being exposed to harmful chemicals.