"Mosquito coils, commonly used in Bangladesh to combat mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, pose significant health risks by releasing harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene. Prolonged exposure can lead to respiratory issues, liver damage, cancer, and increased risks for vulnerable groups like children, pregnant women, and the elderly” ############# Bangladesh continues to tackle endemic mosquito-borne diseases. In recent years, the country has witnessed record-breaking dengue outbreaks, with thousands of hospitalizations and deaths reported annually. In fact, October 2024 was supposedly the deadliest month in terms of deaths and cases. According to a report from Reuters, in 2024, Bangladesh battled the worst outbreak of dengue in years, with over 400 deaths and more than 78,595 people admitted to hospitals nationwide.
As the crisis of mosquito-borne diseases, like dengue, deepens, many households countrywide turned towards various types of repellants, such as coils, aerosol, or lotions. Despite all the repellant, mosquito coils are the most used due to their affordability and widespread availability. Even if these coils might seem like a practical solution, there are multiple health hazards that make it essential for people to reconsider using them and explore safer alternatives.
When burned, mosquito coils release harmful chemicals like formaldehyde, benzene, and fine particulate matter. These toxic substances significantly compromise indoor air quality and pose serious health issues. Extended exposure to coil smoke has already been linked to asthma and bronchial complications, liver and kidney damage, and even cancer. Alarmingly, these fumes cause heightened risks to pregnant women and lead to fetal deformities and lifelong health challenges for the child. Older adults and children are also disproportionately affected by the harmful pollutants.
Over the years, they develop chronic respiratory conditions, which weaken their immune systems. Using mosquito coils in confined spaces aggravates these risks even more. According to the Indian Express, using mosquito coils in closed spaces increases indoor pollutant levels and triggers Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) over the longer term. Every day, 6 people die because of this chronic inflammatory lung disease in Mumbai. According to WHO (World Health Organization), in 2021 alone, 500,000 child deaths were linked to household air pollution in Africa and Asia, including Bangladesh.
Moreover, a study conducted in Taiwan found that burning a single mosquito coil emits formaldehyde-like toxic organic vapors, which are as harmful as smoking 51 cigarettes. The fine particulate matter is comparable to smoking between 75 and 137 cigarettes. Such staggering data highlights the grave dangers people face when they use mosquito coils in their houses and offices.
Smoke from mosquito coils also causes environmental degradation in addition to health concerns. The toxic substances released during the combustion add to the already worsening urban air quality problem. In Dhaka, outdoor air quality is already the worst in the world, so, the additional burden of the mosquito coil emission deepens the urgency for safer solutions.
It has become crucial to create awareness about the health risks and environmental impact associated with mosquito coils. We must switch to smoke-free alternatives that will provide effective mosquito control without having adverse effects on our health. Liquid vaporizers, for instance, can be a safer and cleaner option as they eliminate mosquitoes without emitting harmful substances. Additionally, the local authority and other stakeholders must conduct public health campaigns to highlight the importance of switching from dangerous mosquito coils to safer practices.
As the country combats the growing threat of mosquito-borne diseases, collective actions are vital to protect public health. By implementing stricter regulations, increasing awareness, and widespread adoption of safer alternatives, we can quickly mitigate the silent threat and create a healthier community and environment for the next generation.
