Illegal mosquito repellent incense sticks can be dangerous and poisonous
Humanity across the world is currently dealing with an unprecedented challenge. In such an hour, no one wants more trouble. But do you know there is a real threat lurking in your home? Since it's the season of malaria and dengue, it is natural to use cheap mosquito repellent incense sticks at home to protect your loved ones. However, they are like slow poison.
Note: Regular agarbattis/fragrance sticks is not the focus here
Please note that we aren't talking about your regular agarbattis/fragrance sticks you use at home for pooja/worship, but mosquito repellent incense sticks. While the approved and branded mosquito repellent incense sticks are safe, there are many such incense sticks made by fly by night operators.
Alert: Spurious, unapproved mosquito repellent sticks on the rise
As per Indian Government regulations, any household insecticide product, including mosquito repellent incense sticks, needs to be approved by the Central Insecticide Board (CIB) after rigorous testing. But some companies produce spurious mosquito repellent incense sticks. They are manufactured locally, unapproved, and are laced with chemicals and pesticides. Even if they kill mosquitoes, the smoke of these incense sticks is harmful to humans.
These incense sticks contain a toxic carbamate pesticide called Fenobucarb
Some manufacturers of such incense sticks (Comfort incense sticks, Relax, Killer, Kwick Sleep, Moonlight, Night Surakhsa) claim that these natural repellents contain Citronella (lemongrass). But in reality, a non-registered toxic carbamate pesticide called Fenobucarb/Dichlorvos or a similar one is used here without authentication from the CIB. This has been proved by an independent lab test conducted by BTRA (Bombay Textile Research Association) and Geo-chem.
This is how it affects every single one of us
According to Dr. Shampa Nag, Consultant of Caritas (a grassroots level development and social organization), due to continuing threats of mosquito-borne diseases, people in urban and rural areas look for quick and affordable solutions to protect themselves. That is when spurious and illegal players emerge, manufacturing and selling mosquito repellent incense sticks (agarbattis), which at times contain toxic ingredients like pesticides.
"It's sensible to use only government-approved formulations, products"
"While it is essential to be protected from mosquito bites and possible dreadful diseases, it is sensible to use only government-approved formulations and products. Information on appropriate personal protection measures should be widely and persistently promoted, among other strategies," the doctor notes.
Actions are taken but they eventually dodge the law
Given the health threats to people, enforcement actions are carried by government authorities in Telangana, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Tamil Nadu. A large cluster of these illegal incense sticks manufacturers is based in these locations. When the authorities raid such institutions, the culprits dodge the law and mushroom someplace else, continuing with their dirty business.
HICA is waging a war against these illegal manufacturers
Industry bodies, like the Home Insect Control Association (HICA)- a non-profit industry body that promotes the safe use of household insecticides- are waging war against these illegal manufacturers. HICA is actively involved in consumer education and carrying out actions. It recently unveiled a public interest campaign with an awareness film so that people avoid buying mosquito repellent incense sticks that are non-compliant to regulations.
Inhaling smoke of these sticks especially risky for kids, elderly
Any usage of these illegal incense sticks is highly risky for citizens across any age group, but especially dangerous for kids and the elderly. The toxic pesticide that one inhales can trigger several health issues like asthma, bronchitis, reactive airways disease, and other respiratory ailments.
"These products don't go through regulated processes, checks"
Jayant Deshpande, Secretary and Director, HICA, says, "Creating awareness among consumers about unregulated illegal mosquito repellent incense sticks is important because these products don't go through the regulated manufacturing processes and basic checks on safety parameters of skin, eye and respiratory system, which are mandated for all home insecticide products." This makes these illegal mosquito repellent incense sticks highly risky.
Many users have shared their bad experiences on social media
The consumers should avoid or stop purchasing such illegal and unapproved, toxic mosquito repellent agarbattis for driving mosquitoes out. There are many such comments and reviews on social media where people have called out on the harmful effects of illegal mosquito repellent incense sticks. Some have even faced inhalation issues after using them, and have called it a terrible product, especially for kids.
Be a little more cautious to win the battle
Avoid illegal products and use reputed brands. Branded incense sticks have necessary approvals from authorities and are safe to use. For example, Goodknight's new Neem Agarbatti consists of 100% natural neem and haldi to protect you from all kinds of mosquitoes for up to 3 hours, including those spreading dengue, malaria & chikungunya. So choose the right and genuine mosquito repellent incense sticks.
