Using Mosquito Repellents At Home? Know The Safety Concerns

Mosquito repellents are widely used across India to reduce the risk of mosquito bites, but coils, vapourisers and sprays differ in how they work and the precautions required while using them. Internal medicine expert Dr Chirag Tandon notes that these products contain chemicals designed to repel or kill mosquitoes and generally pose little risk to healthy people when used correctly and according to product instructions.

Mosquito repellent coils release smoke while burning, which can irritate the eyes, nose and throat, particularly when used for long periods or in poorly ventilated rooms. Dr Tandon highlights that people with asthma, allergies or other lung-related conditions may be more sensitive to the smoke. For safer use, he recommends keeping some ventilation in the room and placing the coil away from the head and from young children.

Vapourisers work by gradually releasing insect-repellent chemicals into indoor spaces and can be useful when mosquitoes are present inside homes. However, Dr Tandon advises users to follow the instructions provided with the product and maintain adequate ventilation. He also recommends keeping small children and pets away from the immediate vicinity of the vapouriser to reduce unnecessary exposure.

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Mosquito repellent sprays, meanwhile, can provide short-term protection when used to treat an indoor area. For outdoor use, personal mosquito repellents may be more appropriate. Dr Tandon cautions that treatment sprays should always be used according to their labels, as some products may require people to stay out of the treated area for a specified period. Such sprays should also not be applied directly to broken or damaged skin.

The doctor notes that the amount of repellent used is also important. Applying more of a product than recommended does not necessarily provide additional protection and can instead increase exposure to its active chemicals. Users should avoid combining different mosquito-repellent products unless the product instructions specifically permit it or there is no practical alternative.

Anyone who develops persistent breathing difficulty or other concerning symptoms after exposure to a mosquito-repellent product should move to a better-ventilated area. If symptoms continue, medical attention may be appropriate. Overall, the safest approach is to select the product suited to the situation, follow its instructions carefully and avoid unnecessary or excessive chemical exposure.

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