Sting operation

Mosquitoes seem to have hit the city with a vengeance. According to figures released by the government, vector-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria and Japanese encephalitis have taken 26 lives in Calcutta. However, media reports claim that the figure is higher, 33.

As the incidence of malaria and dengue rises, so does the sale of mosquito repellents. Whether it is coils, liquid vapourisers, lotions, creams or aerosols — repellents of all kinds are selling like hot cakes. “The sale of major brands of mosquito repellents has increased by about 15-20 per cent over the past month,” says Samar Singh Sheikhawat, vice-president, marketing, Spencer’s Retail.

That may be good news for retailers, but consumers need to be aware that mosquito repellents can have certain potential side effects. Medical experts warn that excessive use of these products for long periods is bad for health. “Nervous weakness is an important side effect of chemicals used in mosquito repellents,” says Dr Pulak Lahiri, Nilratan Sarkar Professor of Zoology at Calcutta University.

“According to the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission, the US, long-term use of Alithrin and Prallethrin, the two major chemicals in these products, are hazardous to human health. They primarily affect our respiratory and immune systems, and in extreme cases, even our nervous system,” he adds.

Most health experts echo Dr Lahiri’s concern. “Smoke-based mosquito repellents such as coils can trigger wheezing attacks, specially in those who are prone to allergies and asthma,” says Dr Narayan Bhattacharya, a city-based general practitioner. “Coils and aerosol sprays are the worst offenders and their toxic fumes should be strictly avoided.”

Naturally, companies that sell mosquito repellents insist that their products are risk free. “The chemicals are present in such small quantities that they have an effect only on mosquitoes. Coils and aerosols cut off the oxygen supply for mosquitoes in the upper layers of the air, causing them to become inactive,” says Subrata Chakraborty of Reckitt Benckiser, which markets mosquito repellents under the brand name Mortein. “They do not harm humans if used in a well-ventilated room,” he asserts. He also mentions that Mortein carries a toll-free number that a consumer can call to lodge a complaint if he or she suffers any health problem on use.

Full Story