Mosquito coils, vaporizers, and plug-ins are a common feature in Indian households during the warmer months. After all, when these tiny insects threaten to keep us up all night with their noisy buzzing or bite us into an itchy mess, the only solution is to keep mosquito repellents switched on all night. While this move promises safety and a night of peaceful sleep, we wonder how safe it is?
Understanding what’s inside
Dr Chaitanya Kulkarni, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Navi Mumbai, explained that electric vaporizers and coils use chemicals like allethrin or prallethrin, which are derivatives of natural pyrethrins found in chrysanthemums. While they help keep mosquitoes at bay, they can harm humans, particularly with prolonged use in enclosed spaces.
Dr Pooja Pillai, Consultant – Internal Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, agreed, adding that most modern mosquito repellents, whether in the form of coils, vaporizers, or electronic devices, are generally designed for extended use. “However, prolonged exposure to the chemicals emitted by these products can lead to potential health risks, particularly for sensitive individuals, such as children or those with respiratory issues,” she told indianexpress.com.
What happens to your body if you keep them on all night?
“If the room is poorly ventilated, these chemicals can cause headaches, eye soreness, and throat irritation. Children, asthmatics, or people with chronic illnesses are more vulnerable,” mentioned Dr Kulkarni. In fact, for sensitive individuals, prolonged exposure can exacerbate existing breathing difficulties or trigger allergic reactions. Specifically, coils produce smoke which, along with other heated materials, can trigger indoor pollution akin to smoking several cigarettes, he added.
Don’t keep mosquito repellents on for more than a few hours (Source: Pexels)
How far should you keep them from the bed?
When positioning a mosquito repellent device, it is crucial to consider the distance from the bed to ensure both effectiveness and safety.
According to Dr Pillai, ideally, the device should be placed at least a few feet away from where individuals sleep to minimize direct exposure to the emitted substances. This helps create a buffer zone that reduces the likelihood of inhaling concentrated chemicals while still allowing the repellent to function effectively in the surrounding area.
She added that it is essential to regularly monitor the device for any signs of malfunction or excessive smoke, as these can indicate a need for adjustment or replacement.
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“Position a window to be ajar, keep the device or coil 2-3 meters away from the bed, and avoid being directly underneath it. You might consider switching it off after a few hours once the mosquitoes are repelled,” advised Dr Kulkarni.
Here are some alternatives to consider
Targeted at the cautious users, Dr Kulkarni shared that the best alternatives are mosquito nets, natural repellents such as citronella, and ceiling mounted electric zappers.
When it comes to safeguarding from diseases like dengue and malaria, the use of repellents is essential but the safe application is critical to avoid compromising one’s well being. If in doubt, practicality should always supersede effectiveness in withstanding air emissions indoors.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
