Dangers of Mosquito Coils for Health

Mosquito repellent in the form of spray, burn, and electricity is commonly used to repel mosquitoes. But is its use safe for health? Are the ingredients contained in mosquito repellent dangerous? Check out the following explanation. Naturally, mosquitoes approach humans because they are attracted to the humidity and warmth of the human body, as well as breathing carbon dioxide. The buzzing sound of mosquitoes alone is annoying, especially if the skin is bitten by this insect. Besides making itching, mosquito bites can cause disease. Actually, mosquitoes do not bite, but suck human blood. It is when sucking blood that viruses and parasites present in mosquitoes enter the human body and cause disease. Dengue fever, malaria, viruses, and elephantiasis are some of the diseases that can be caused by mosquito sucking. Mosquito spray, burn, and electric are widely used because they are practical and effective. Although it can repel mosquitoes, mosquito repellent also has side effects for health.

Effective Ingredients for Mosquito Repellent

Most mosquito coils on the market contain the following active ingredients:

• DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide)

This active substance has been used for decades to repel insects such as mosquitoes, fleas, and flies. Generally, DEET is found in mosquito spray and anti-mosquito lotion. DEET is safe to use, as long as the concentration is no more than 50 percent and is not used on injured skin.

• Picaridin (KBR 3023)

Picaridin is as effective as DEET, but has a risk of mild irritation.

• Lemon eucalyptus oil (PMD).

PMD is a natural ingredient that is as effective as DEET. However, PMD may not be used in children under three years old. PMD is usually found in anti-mosquito lotions.

• Piretrin

Pyrethrin is a pesticide that is generally non-toxic, but the danger of mosquito repellent content on this one can cause respiratory problems if inhaled in large quantities. This substance is widely found in insect repellent.

• Carbamate and organophosphate

Carbamate and organophosphate are hazardous substances in contact with the body. This type of pesticide can be quickly absorbed through the skin, lungs, mucous membranes, and digestive tract. Symptoms usually appear after drinking or inhaled.

Types and Dangers of Mosquito Coils for Health

In general, mosquito coils are divided into three types, namely:

• Mosquito repellent spray

Insect repellent is generally packaged in an aerosol aluminum bottle. How to use that is sprayed into the air. If inhaled or swallowed, the danger of mosquito repellent spray containing pyrethrin can cause shortness of breath, coughing, vomiting, until loss of consciousness. Whereas DEET contained in mosquito spray can cause irritation and nerve disorders, especially if there is long-term contact with the skin.

• Mosquito coils

Mosquito coils are generally in the form of a spiral circle. The end of the circle is burned to produce smoke. This smoke will dispel and kill mosquitoes. In fact, smoke from burning mosquito coils is a dangerous emission because it pollutes the air greatly. One study even proved that the smoke from a mosquito coil produces pollution particles as dangerous as burning about 100 cigarettes. While the formaldehyde emissions produced are the same as the burning of 51 cigarettes. Data from a study shows that long-term exposure to mosquito coil smoke can cause lung cancer.

• Electric mosquito coil

Electric mosquito coils are available in liquid and chunks. If mosquito coils produce smoke, electric mosquito coils produce steam which can repel mosquitoes. This type of mosquito coil also contains chemicals that are dangerous if inhaled. Eye irritation and allergies may occur due to the use of electric mosquito repellent.

Serious symptoms can occur if the mosquito repellent is swallowed or is inhaled for a long time. The severity of symptoms depends on the amount and frequency of using mosquito coils. If used long term, mosquito coils can cause respiratory problems, nervous disorders, brain damage, until death. Therefore, it is important to obey the rules of using mosquito coils.

Tips for Safe Using Mosquito Coils

To minimize the negative effects or dangers of insect repellent, pay attention to the following rules:

• Always follow the instructions printed on the package.
• Do not occupy the room where you have just sprayed or turned on a mosquito coil. Wait a few moments until the odor or smoke from the mosquito repellent disappears.
• Do not light mosquito coils in an enclosed place without air ventilation. When the mosquito coil is turned on, try to keep you and your family near the mosquito coil.
• Avoid direct breathing of gas, smoke or vomiting.
• Avoid sleeping while turning on the mosquito coil.
• Avoid spraying insect repellent on furniture, cutlery, or objects that come in direct contact with skin.
• Keep food away when you use mosquito coils.
• Use a mask and gloves when handling mosquito coils.
• Wash hands with soap after handling mosquito repellent.
• Keep insect repellent out of the reach of children.
• Use insect repellent only when you really need it.

To reduce the frequency and exposure of using mosquito coils, you can take other ways to avoid mosquito bites. For example, wearing a mosquito net around the bed, using clothes and trousers, or using a mosquito racket. Do not forget, keep the house clean, drainage, and close the water reservoir so that mosquitoes do not nest and breed. In addition, you can also try natural methods, such as planting mosquito repellent plants and applying natural oils. Lemongrass plants and chicken droppings are believed to help ward off mosquitoes. While using natural oils like lavender and geranium can indeed ward off mosquitoes, but their use is only effective for less than 30 minutes. Another solution that is believed to repel mosquitoes is to use ultrasonic waves. But in fact, this tool is completely ineffective in repelling mosquitoes. The last trick you can use is to turn on the fan. Mosquitoes find it difficult to move when exposed to the wind so they are difficult to land on your skin.