Natural and non-chemical alternatives to mosquito repellants

Although mosquito repellents are effective in keeping disease-carrying insects at bay, their impact on humans, particularly their lung health is becoming a matter of concern. Dr Sanggita Checker - A chest physician working at Mumbai's Wockhardt Hospitals informs that "prolonged exposure to the fumes emitted by coils and liquid repellents may pose risks due to inhalation of chemicals such as formaldehyde and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)."

The widespread use of coils and liquid repellents in Indian households is notable. Some of them switch it on for extended periods and remain in close proximity to the emitted fumes. Unfortunately, this leads to unwitting consumption of the fumes, which can result in chronic lung diseases like vasculitis (discussed ahead).

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In indoor settings with poor ventilation, the concentration of these toxins can accumulate and potentially lead to respiratory irritation, asthma exacerbation and other serious health issues over time. To unearth its impacts on the lungs, we spoke to pulmonologists who share with us measures to avoid mosquito repellents and safeguard lungs from further damage.

One mosquito coil > 50 cigarettes

Insect repellants be it coils, liquid vaporisers, sticks or aerosol sprays, all of them release toxic chemicals and add to the poor quality of indoor air. Coils and sticks generate most of the emission as they smoulder and smoke for hours producing pollutants like fine particulate matter (PM2.5), heavy metals and gases, shares Dr Richa Mittal, a consultant of pulmonary medicine at Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital.

Mittal draws an analogy, equating the act of burning a single mosquito coil in an enclosed space to smoking over 50 cigarettes.

Checker reveals that one common active ingredient in mosquito repellants is DEET, which is known for its effectiveness in repelling mosquitoes. While DEET is generally considered safe for use on the skin, there have been concerns raised about potential respiratory risks when the chemical is inhaled in high concentrations.

This has led to recommendations to avoid spraying DEET-containing products directly onto the face or inhaling the fumes. Another widely used active ingredient in mosquito repellants is picaridin, which has gained popularity as an alternative to DEET due to its efficacy and lower risk of skin irritation.

Natural and non-chemical approaches to mosquito control

For indoor spaces: One effective natural approach to mosquito control is the use of mosquito-repelling plants in your garden or outdoor space, shares Garde. By strategically placing these plants around your home, you can create a natural barrier against these pesky insects.

Another non-chemical method for controlling mosquitoes is to eliminate standing water sources where mosquitoes breed. This can include removing items like old tires, buckets and stagnant water in bird baths or flowerpots. By regularly emptying and cleaning these water sources, you can significantly reduce the mosquito population in your area without relying on harmful chemicals.

For outdoor spaces: There are several natural or non-chemical approaches to mosquito control that people can consider, especially for outdoor spaces. While these natural methods may not be as strong as chemical repellents, they can still effectively diminish mosquito populations and decrease the likelihood of bites. Mittal shares options such as removing standing water, installing mosquito nets, planting mosquito-repelling plants and using mosquito traps. By integrating these approaches, individuals can cultivate a more pleasant outdoor setting with reduced mosquito presence.

Lastly, experts opine that there is no substitute for making informed choices. Read the label instructions to understand active ingredients, assess safety and consider personal preferences. Check the concentration of active ingredients in the repellents as higher concentrations are typically more effective but may also increase the risk of skin irritation.

Natural plant-based repellents offer promising solutions for individuals looking to protect themselves against mosquitoes without compromising their lung health. By exploring these sustainable alternatives and making informed choices about the products we use in our homes, we can prioritise both mosquito control and our well-being simultaneously.

Direct impact of mosquito repellents on human health

Mosquito coils are made from compacted pastes or powders containing pyrethroids and other volatile chemicals, including formaldehyde. Some modern products are made from plant-derived substances such as citronella. The hazardous elements produced by these repellents are a risk factor for:

1. The development of asthma early

2. Skin and eye allergies

3. Respiratory infections, poor lung function and early decline of lung capacity in individuals

4. Fine particulate matter can impair blood vessel function and speed up calcification in arteries. People who are exposed to these particles for long are more at risk of getting a heart attack, hypertension and deranged cholesterol levels.

Uncovering how mosquito repellents may contribute to lung diseases

Checker affirms that there is a link between the use of mosquito repellents and the development of lung diseases such as vasculitis. The disease is a group of disorders characterised by the inflammation of blood vessels, leading to coarse breathing and breathlessness. Symptoms vary depending on the affected vessels but commonly include fever, fatigue, weight loss and organ-specific manifestations such as skin rashes, joint pain and nerve damage.

The chemicals found in coils have been known to irritate the respiratory system in individuals, leading to symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath and wheezing. Repeated inhalation of these chemicals from mosquito repellants can trigger inflammatory responses in the lungs, contributing to vasculitis.

In individuals with existing respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), constant exposure to these chemicals may exacerbate their symptoms and worsen their overall lung function, adds Checker.

While the short-term effects may not be immediately apparent, consistent and long-term use of these products indoors without proper ventilation increases the likelihood of developing respiratory issues over time. Opting for natural alternative repellants could help mitigate the risks associated with inhaling these chemicals.

Mittal highlights the importance of reading the instructions given on the label. "Although there have been worries regarding the possible negative impacts of these repellents on lung health, particularly when inhaled, the data indicates that, when used as directed, there are usually no appreciable dangers to lung health."

When these products are used correctly, the risk of respiratory irritation from inhaling insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin is generally low, while there may be occasional incidents. As with any chemical product, it's critical to read the label carefully and take preventative measures to reduce the risk of inhalation, like using repellents in well-ventilated places and avoiding inhaling sprays directly.

Regulatory measures to ensure safety

Mittal outlines an easy guide to safeguard lung health against mosquito repellents:

1. Avoid using coils or sticks as much as you can.

2. When using insect repellents try not to be in the room for a few hours and till the time coil is burning.

3. Don't keep the windows and doors closed and be in the same room when the products are used.

4. Use smokeless devices which are widely available these days.

Dr Samir Garde, the director of the department of pulmonology and lung transplant, Global Hospitals, Parel tells Midday: "Individuals with respiratory conditions need to exercise caution when using mosquito repellents, as some products can contain strong chemicals that may exacerbate their symptoms." He shares specific precautions for individuals with respiratory problems:

1. Opt for natural repellents or those specifically labelled as safe for sensitive individuals.

2. Only use repellents on uncovered skin or clothing.

3. Avoid applying underneath clothing, near the eyes or mouth and use sparingly around the ears.

4. If using sprays, avoid direct contact with the face; spray onto hands first and then apply to the face.

5. Refrain from using repellents on cuts, wounds, or irritated skin.

6. Keep away from food while using repellents.