Health Risks Exposed: Authorities Ban Mosquito Repellent Incense Due to Toxic Chemicals

We often burn mosquito repellent incense sticks or other vaporizers at home to avoid mosquito bites and ensure a comfortable sleep. But, did you know? The smoke emanating from these incense sticks could be causing serious and long-term damage to your health.

Last month, the Maharashtra government in India took a strict decision to ban two major mosquito repellent incense companies. Investigations by the Maharashtra government revealed that some companies were using extremely dangerous chemicals like Dimefluthrin to repel mosquitoes.

These chemicals enter deep inside our bodies through smoke, causing serious harm not only to the lungs but also to our nervous system. In today's special report, we will discuss in detail the dangers of mosquito repellent products, preventive measures, and natural alternatives.

• Why the Ban Imposed?

According to Dr. Sandeep Katiyar, a pulmonologist at Apollo Spectra Hospital in Kanpur, the main reasons for banning illegal mosquito repellent incense sticks are as follows:

1. Use of Unapproved Chemicals: Many incense sticks contain dangerous chemicals that are not considered safe for health and are not permitted for use by the government.

2. Damage to the Respiratory System: The smoke released when these incense sticks burn directly affects our respiratory tract.

3. Legal Violation: These products were sent to the market without prior permission and registration from the Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC).

4. Confirmed by Laboratory Tests: Lab tests confirmed that the smoke from these incense sticks can pose serious risks to human health.

5. Proliferation of Counterfeit Products: Due to the rampant presence of unsafe and counterfeit products in the market, a ban became essential for consumer safety.

Chemical Cocktail: How Dangerous is Dimefluthrin?

Two main types of harmful chemicals have been found in illegal mosquito incense sticks:

• Dimefluthrin: This is a synthetic insecticide. When it enters the body through inhalation, it can negatively affect the nervous system.
• Meperfluthrin: This is also used to kill mosquitoes. However, burning it in the form of incense or coils and inhaling its smoke is not permitted for health reasons.

When these chemicals burn, they mix into the air as fine particles. These particles are so small that they can easily reach the depths of the lungs and even mix into the bloodstream.

Health Effects: From Lungs to Brain

The smoke from mosquito repellent incense affects our body in the following ways:

1. Immediate Problems: Upon burning the incense, many people experience coughing, throat irritation, eye burning, and difficulty breathing.

2. Lung Inflammation: Smoke particles cause inflammation inside the lungs. Prolonged exposure increases the risk of asthma and chronic bronchitis.

3. Nervous System Impact: These chemicals also affect our nervous system, which can lead to headaches, dizziness, and, in the long term, a decline in memory function.

4. Allergies: Allergic reactions such as skin itching or rashes can also occur.

Who is at Higher Risk?

Although everyone is affected by smoke, it can prove to be a 'silent killer' for certain groups of people. Children are affected quickly and severely by the smoke because their lungs are still developing.

The elderly are quickly susceptible to respiratory problems due to weakened immunity associated with age. This smoke is fatal for those who already have pre-existing respiratory conditions.

The smoke can negatively affect the health of both pregnant women and the unborn baby. Polluted air creates extra pressure on the heart, which can increase the risk of heart attack for cardiac patients.

If there is insufficient ventilation in the room, the concentration of smoke increases, escalating the danger.

7 Things to Consider When Buying Incense Sticks or Mosquito Repellents

If you still wish to use chemical-based products, check these 7 things mandatorily for health safety:

1. Registration Number: Only buy products that mention the official government registration number. This is a guarantee of safety.

2. Active Chemical: Read which chemical is used on the back of the packet. Do not buy if it contains banned chemicals like Dimefluthrin.

3. Manufacturer Information: The full name, address, and license number of the company must be clearly written.

4. Expiry Date: Old or expired products can be even more dangerous.

5. Usage Instructions: Carefully read the instructions on how to use and for how long to burn.

6. Safety Precautions: Follow instructions to keep away from children and pets.

7. Sealed Packaging: Do not buy open or damaged packets, as they are more likely to contain counterfeit goods.

11 Effective Tips to Repel Mosquitoes Naturally

Instead of chemical incense sticks, you can adopt these natural and safe methods:

1. Camphor: Burn camphor for about 15-20 minutes with the windows and doors of the room closed. The smell of camphor drives mosquitoes out of the room. It is also not harmful to health.

2. Neem Oil: Applying neem oil mixed with coconut oil to the body prevents mosquito bites. Also, burning neem oil in a lamp keeps mosquitoes away.

3. Lemon and Cloves: Cut a lemon in half and stick 10-15 cloves into it. Placing this in a corner of the room keeps mosquitoes away due to its scent.

4. Garlic Spray: Boil a few cloves of garlic in water and spray that water from a spray bottle into the corners of the house. Mosquitoes dislike the strong smell of garlic.

5. Peppermint Oil: Spraying peppermint oil in the house or keeping a peppermint plant in the room repels mosquitoes.

6. Citronella or Lavender Oil: These essential oils can be used as a natural spray by mixing them with water. The fragrance of these oils is pleasant to humans but repels mosquitoes.

7. Eucalyptus Oil: Eucalyptus oil has mosquito-repellent properties. It can be used by placing it in a diffuser.

8. Tulsi Plant: Plant a Tulsi (Holy Basil) near the window or door of the house. The medicinal fragrance of Tulsi helps prevent mosquitoes from entering the house.

9. Lemongrass: Lemongrass contains citronella, which is the main base for many mosquito repellent creams. Plant it in the garden or on the balcony.

10. Use of Mosquito Nets: This is the oldest, safest, and most effective method. Using a net while sleeping eliminates the need to inhale any chemical smoke.

11. Mesh on Windows: Install fine mesh on the windows and doors of the house. This allows air circulation while preventing mosquitoes from entering.

There is a fear of diseases like Dengue, Malaria, and Chikungunya from mosquito bites, but the wrong methods used to prevent them can cause an even bigger health crisis. Therefore, do not rely on cheap and attractive-looking mosquito incense sticks available in the market.

Adopt natural methods as much as possible. If you must use chemical products, choose only government-registered and quality brands.

Using a mosquito net while sleeping is the wisest option. Let's become aware starting today to protect our and our family's lungs from this poisonous smoke.

Disclaimer: This article has been prepared based on various health studies and expert opinions. If you have any serious health problems, consult a doctor immediately.