Prof Dr. Ahmad Kamruzzaman Majumder :
One of the most well-known insects harmful to humans is the mosquito. And despite our best efforts, we are incapable of rescuing ourselves from the oppression of these mosquitoes. A recent report by the World Health Organization has identified mosquitoes as a “terror”.
According to the report, about 3,000 people die every day in the world from mosquito-borne diseases and the number of deaths reaches about 1 million every year. Although modern medical science can cure mosquito-borne diseases, it can largely not cure the deadly dengue. Usually, dengue outbreaks across the country start before the monsoon, from May to September, which is considered the dengue fever season.
According to the Pesticide Ordinance 1971 and 1985, it is mandatory to obtain the approval of the Department of Agricultural Extension for the production, marketing and storage of mosquito coils. According to the ordinance, after obtaining the approval of the department, the concerned company will have to produce and market the pesticide product with the Public Health Product (PHP) number and BSTI approval.
Most of the coil companies are marketing dangerous products in attractive packaging without authorization using fake PHP numbers and BSTI logos. Even though the business of low-quality coils is spreading in the markets, the supervision of the concerned authorities is not enough.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recommended the use of a maximum of 0.3 levels of “active ingredient” in mosquito coils, which although effective in repelling mosquitoes, cannot kill mosquitoes. In reality, highly toxic chemicals are used in unapproved coils that kill not only mosquitoes but also other insects such as cockroaches and even lizards.
There are a total of 125 domestic brands of mosquito coils approved by BSTI in the markets of Bangladesh. Some popular mosquito coil brands are ACI, Extreme, Eagle, Finis, Jambu, Globe, Good Night, Fighter King, New Cobra, Medina, Phoenix, JCI, Yam Jambu, Night Star, Night Guard, Seven Booster, St. Martin Super Night, New Super Korean, Gazi, Queen Mega, Attack King Super, Save Guard King, etc. In addition, there are several mosquito coils imported from foreign countries such as China, India, Korea, etc. in the market, but there is no way to say for sure whether they are tested by BSTI.
Dimefluthrin is used as the main ingredient in making the coils of most brands of mosquito coils. Usually, there are 10 coils in each packet and each coil of most brands burns and emits smoke for 8-10 hours. Testing of 20 brands of mosquito coils on the market has found high levels of chemicals that are seriously harmful to public health, most of which are not approved by BSTI.
Some people keep doors and windows closed while using mosquito coils to prevent the smoke from escaping the house. Although the smoke from the coil works well in repelling mosquitoes in enclosed spaces, the various toxic organic and inorganic vapours present in the smoke, large amounts of fine and ultrafine floating particles (Particulate Matter 2.5), and toxic and volatile compounds such as formaldehyde, benzene, benzopyrene, benzofluoroanthene, etc. produced by the combustion of the coil, not only repel mosquitoes but also cause serious harm to humans, especially children and adolescents.
Many of these compounds are known to be potential human carcinogens. Inhaling toxic smoke from burning mosquito coils for hours and days increases the risk of various respiratory diseases, including lung cancer.
The amount of formaldehyde-like toxic organic vapours produced by burning a mosquito coil is equivalent to about 50 cigarettes, and the volume of fine particles produced is equivalent to about 100 cigarettes.
In addition, the fine and ultra-fine floating particles (particulate matter 2.5) produced by it can penetrate deep into the lungs and mix with the bloodstream. As a result, the risk of respiratory problems, lung cancer, heart disease, and brain damage increases manifold.
Not only do they damage the lungs, heart, brain, and circulatory system; but they also gradually increase the risk of cancer as a long-term result. In addition, the toxicity of the chemical components in mosquito coils can sometimes cause immediate dizziness, vomiting, and physical weakness.
On the other hand, not only physical harm, mosquito coil smoke also hurts our environment. Coil smoke is a major source of air pollution. The amount of carbon emitted from each coil is as harmful as a few cigarettes. As a result, the air quality inside and around the house deteriorates rapidly.
Mosquito coils not only repel mosquitoes, but they are also having a detrimental effect on our lives like an invisible enemy.
The safest way to prevent mosquito-borne diseases is to use mosquito nets, maintain cleanliness, and destroy mosquito habitats and breeding grounds. In addition, to avoid mosquito bites, closing doors and windows before dusk and sleeping under mosquito nets are the most effective preventive measures.
There is a need for awareness about the harmful effects of mosquito coils and the use of environmentally friendly and safe methods instead of coils.
Although it is recommended to use electronic mosquito repellents, natural oils (such as lemon grass or neem oil) and liquid refills as alternatives to low-quality coils, research on their harmful effects is also needed.
Coordination of individual initiatives and government activities is needed to reduce the incidence of mosquito-borne diseases. We must pay attention to personal and family health and find sustainable solutions to this problem.
To protect public health, quality control of these coils, government supervision, as well as increasing public awareness and strict regulatory measures to control mosquito-borne diseases is very important. Awareness, proper knowledge, and safe habits can be the key to our safety.
(The writer is Dean, Faculty of Science, Professor, Department of Environmental Science, Stamford University Bangladesh).
