Mosquito Coil Smoke Research Articles

Prolonged use of mosquito coil, mats, and liquidators: A review of its health implications

Mosquito coils are burnt indoors and outdoors in India to control mosquitoes. Human beings get exposed to a chemically complex mosquito coil smoke containing small particles (<1 μm), metal fumes, and vapors that may reach the alveolar region of the lung. Coils consist of an insecticide/repellant, organic fillers, binders, and additives such as synergists, dyes, and fungicide. Thus, the smoke contains pollutants of health concern. The concentrations of pollutants resulting from burning mosquito coils may exceed health-based air quality standards and have ill effect on health. Hence, in this review, we have discussed the health implications due to burning of mosquito coil, mats, and heating of mosquito refill liquidators.

RESIDU BAHAN AKTIF ASAP OBAT NYAMUK BAKAR YANG TERBUAT DARI DAUN LEGUNDI (Vitex trifolia L.) PADA ORGAN PARU-PARU MENCIT

Research of analysis of active ingredient residues of mosquito coil smoke made of leaves legundi (Vitex trifolia L.) in the lungs of mice by gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS) was carried out. Mosquito coil made from the leaves legundi (Vitex trifolia L.) was burned and the smoke is exposed to male mice (Mus muculus) for 20 days (acute exposure). Mice that had been exposed to mosquito coil smoke legundi (Vitex trifolia L.) anesthetized with cotton that has been moistened with chlorofom solution, then mice were dissected and their abdominal organs was taken transversely to the lungs. Lungs of mice was macerated with ethanol 96% for 1x24 hours. Then extracted lungs of mice were analyzed by GC-MS. A number of 15 compounds from legundi (Vitex trifolia L.) mosquito coil smoke were identified using GC-MS, including: methenamine; 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol; 2, 6-dimethoxyphenol; 4-hydroxy-3- methoxy-benzoic acid; 2-methoxy-4-(1-propenyl) phenol-E; 5-tert-butylpyrogallol, 1, 3, 7, 7-tetra methylbicycloheptan-2-one, 2, 3, 5, 6-tetrafluoroanisol; diethyl pthalate, 2, 6 - dimethoxy-4-(2-propenyl) phenol; N-N-dimethyl methanesulfonamide; 4-hydroxy-3-nitrocoumarin; citenamide; 1- methyl-anthraquinone; and hexamethyilcyclotrisiloxane. Lungs of mice analyzed using GC-MS found a compound of hexamethyilcyclotrisiloxane which was similar to compound observed in legundi (Vitex trifolia L.) mosquito coil smoke. Â

Assessment of Risk Factors against Severity of COPD in Non-Smokers

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in non-smokers has been an important concern in past decade. We studied the risk factors responsible for more severe Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Identifying them would help to work against progression to more severe disease as well as prevention. A prospective cross sectional study was done in outpatient clinic of Jinnah postgraduate medical center from December 2010 to December 2011. All patients fulfilling the criteria for Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were taken in study. Patients with less than five pack years smoking with other risk factors for Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were evaluated. Out of total 90 patients, 74 (82.2%) had mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and 16 (17.7%) had moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Patients with single biomass exposure were found to have mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease except those having mosquito coil exposure. Patients with mosquito coil and wood smoke exposure were observed to have moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (p-value 0.009). Wood smoke with mosquito coil smoke exposure is responsible for more severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Control of Respirable Particles in Indoor Air with Portable Negative Air Ion Generator

Portable negative air ion generator has been designed and tested. This device generates continuous emission of unipolar (negative) ions and it was evaluated by investigating its ability to remove respirable particles such as different smoke verities (mosquito coil smoke, cigarette smoke, petrol smoke) from indoor air environment. The experiment was carried out in closed glass container, decay rate for particle concentration were obtained in presence and in absence of negative air ions. The particle removal efficiency was obtained and it can be observed that removal efficiency was highest for petrol smoke as compared to cigarette/mosquito coil smoke. The experiment confirms removal of about 95% respirable particles from indoor air in addition to the natural decay effect.

Cognitive Effect of the Sub-Chronic Exposure to Mosquito Coil Smoke in Mice

Cognitive Effect of the Sub-Chronic Exposure to Mosquito Coil Smoke in Mice

Insect bite reactions

Insects are a class of living creatures within the arthropods. Insect bite reactions are commonly seen in clinical practice. The present review touches upon the medically important insects and their places in the classification, the sparse literature on the epidemiology of insect bites in India, and different variables influencing the susceptibility of an individual to insect bites. Clinical features of mosquito bites, hypersensitivity to mosquito bites Epstein-Barr virus NK (HMB-EBV-NK) disease, eruptive pseudoangiomatosis, Skeeter syndrome, papular pruritic eruption of HIV/AIDS, and clinical features produced by bed bugs, Mexican chicken bugs, assassin bugs, kissing bugs, fleas, black flies, Blandford flies, louse flies, tsetse flies, midges, and thrips are discussed. Brief account is presented of the immunogenic components of mosquito and bed bug saliva. Papular urticaria is discussed including its epidemiology, the 5 stages of skin reaction, the SCRATCH principle as an aid in diagnosis, and the recent evidence supporting participation of types I, III, and IV hypersensitivity reactions in its causation is summarized. Recent developments in the treatment of pediculosis capitis including spinosad 0.9% suspension, benzyl alcohol 5% lotion, dimethicone 4% lotion, isopropyl myristate 50% rinse, and other suffocants are discussed within the context of evidence derived from randomized controlled trials and key findings of a recent systematic review. We also touch upon a non-chemical treatment of head lice and the ineffectiveness of egg-loosening products. Knockdown resistance (kdr) as the genetic mechanism making the lice nerves insensitive to permethrin is discussed along with the surprising contrary clinical evidence from Europe about efficacy of permethrin in children with head lice carrying kdr-like gene. The review also presents a brief account of insects as vectors of diseases and ends with discussion of prevention of insect bites and some serious adverse effects of mosquito coil smoke.

Effect of continuous inhalation of allethrin-based mosquito coil smoke in the male reproductive tract of rats

Objectives: Continuous inhalation of allethrin-based mosquito coil smoke may affect fertility, an aspect that has not received much attention. In this study, we attempt to understand the harmful effects on the male reproductive system caused by continuous exposure to allethrin-based mosquito coil smoke.Methods: Adult Wistar rats were allowed to inhale mosquito coil smoke for 15–180 days, and male reproductive tract tissues (caput, cauda, and testes) were collected. Using standard biochemical techniques, changes in oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation) and antioxidant status was measured. Histopathological analyses were carried out to assess pathomorphological damage in the caput, cauda, and testis. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was carried out to determine the expression pattern of the stress-response gene, p53, and the spermatogenic factors c-Kit, Scf, and Tgf-β1.Results: In rats exposed to allethrin-based mosquito coil smoke for 15–180 days, compared to the unexposed controls, lipid peroxidation was increased in the cauda and testes. The activity of antioxidant enzymes remained largely unchanged in the all the tissues analyzed. Histopathological analyses revealed loss of tubule architecture, epithelial cell disruption, increase in lumen size, interstitial edema, and presence of dead spermatozoa. p53 gene expression was differentially altered in the epididymis and testes. The expression of spermatogenic factors, namely, stem cell factor and its ligand c-Kit was unaltered though decreased levels of Tgf-β1 were observed.Conclusion: Results of this study demonstrate that prolonged exposure to allethrin-based mosquito coil smoke could lead to oxidative stress and compromise germ cell production.

Mosquito coil smoke: new approaches of hazard identification and relevance for human risk assessment

Mosquito coil smoke: new approaches of hazard identification and relevance for human risk assessment

Detection of nanoparticles and components in smoke by time-of-flight mass spectrometry

A time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS) with a newly laboratory-made sampling cone interface fitted to an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) positive ion source was successfully applied to easy, rapid on-line measurements of nanoparticles and components generated during combustion. The mass spectra for smoke from a mosquito coil ranged up to m/z 1202, corresponding to 1.2 nm with the carboneous material density as graphite 2.2 g cm − 3. Typical m/z peaks were assigned to such synthetic pyrethroids, as d-allethrin and d-tetramethrin, at m/z 303 and 332, respectively. A specific pattern with a peak-to-peak interval of 74 was recognized in the higher mass range. The interval of 74 was confirmed by measuring with a standard silica solution in a positive ion mode using a conventional APCI interface under the same APCI conditions. The mass spectrum of the silica solution had a pattern with peak interval of 44 which was assigned to SiO. These results indicate that the pattern with an interval of 74 in the mass spectrum of the mosquito coil smoke is sample-derived peak. We assumed that the interval of m/z 74 is assigned to identified as triacetylene (1,3,5-hexatriyne) that is generated during the combustion.

Clinical signs and organ pathology in rats exposed to graded doses of pyrethroids- containing mosquito coil smoke and aerosolized insecticidal sprays

Morphological changes in tissues/organs of weanling Albino rats exposed to graded doses of popular brands of pyrethroids-containing insecticides - mosquito coil and aerosolized spray were studied over a period of 18 days. Rats were exposed to 0.4, 0.8, 1.2 and 1.6mg/kg BW of active ingredients inaerosolized insecticidal spray for 15, 30, 45 and 60 seconds, in two divided doses daily for 18 days. Control rats were not exposed. Early clinical signs include irritability, head shaking and scratching of nostrils; these later gave way to sneezing, gurgling, fine muscular tremors, ruffled fur, lethargy and depression. No self-death was recorded in all the exposed and control groups. Gross changes were not apparent in most organs, but for pulmonary oedema and slight hepatomegaly and palor of kidneys in rats exposed to high doses of the fumes sacrificed on days 12, 15 and 18 post-exposure. Histopathology revealed varying degrees of vacuolar degeneration and necrosis of hepatocyctes, myocardiac degeneration, glomerular and tubular degeneration and necrosis, meningitis, neuronophagia, demyelination of neuronal axons and exudative pnuemonia. Others include blood vascular damage, haemorrhages, vasculitis and thrombosis in many organs, and Kuppfer and intestinal goblet cells hyperplasia. The severity of the lesions was dose and time dependent. The lesions observed suggest interference with tissue energy metabolism and widespread vascular damage and multi-organ degeneration and necrosis. The implications of the consistent and uncontrolled use of pyrethroids-containing insecticides on farm and market produce and in human inhabitants and their effects on public health and biodiversity conservation are discussed. (Afr. J. Biomed. Res. 11: 97 - 104) Key words: Pyrethroids, insecticides, rats, tissue pathology, public health hazard

Sampling free and particle‐bound chemicals using solid‐phase microextraction and needle trap device simultaneously

The possibility of sampling the free and particle-bound concentrations of organic compounds was studied using two different sampling techniques at the same time: needle trap device (NTD) and solid-phase microextraction (SPME). In this study, a mosquito coil was used to produce gaseous (free) and particle-bound compounds. Allethrin, the active ingredient in mosquito coils, was chosen as the target analyte. Under the same sampling conditions, the amount of allethrin extracted from the mosquito-coil smoke was higher for the NTD compared to the SPME fiber, while the extracted amounts were almost the same for both devices when sampling gaseous samples of allethrin. These results can be explained by the fact that the SPME fiber can only extract free molecules (based on diffusion), whereas the NTD, an exhaustive sampling device, collects both free and particle-bound allethrin. Breakthrough for NTD and carryover for both NTD and SPME were negligible under the given sampling and desorption conditions.

Development and application of needle trap devices

Needle trap devices (NTDs), like solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fibers, represent a new approach to one-step, solvent-free sample preparation and injection. New NTDs, packed with divinylbenzene (DVB) or Carboxen 1000 particles, are prepared, characterized, and used for benzene, toluene, ethylbenzne, and xylene (BTEX) sampling in our laboratory. This paper describes optimization parameters, performance evaluation, and application of NTDs for the analysis of a BTEX mixture from air. For active sampling, a sampling flow rate is an essential optimization parameter. Using a very small amount of sorbent particles (less than 1 mg DVB or Carboxen), 1.9 mL/min was the highest sampling flow rate that could be used with no breakthrough of any BTEX components. A single NTD was used to study breakthrough volumes (BTVs) and the breakthrough volume was proportional to the quantity of sorbent packed inside the needle. The Carboxen-packed NTD showed higher BTVs for all BTEX compared to the DVB-packed NTD. The performance of home-made NTDs was evaluated at different sampling flow rates, storage times, and for reusability. Finally, DVB packed NTDs were used to sample and analyze a BTEX mixture from permanent marker fumes, mosquito coil smoke, and at various points in the interior of a house. A very low concentration (10 pg/mL) of toluene was detected in the garage.

Exposure to Mosquito Coil Smoke May be a Risk Factor for Lung Cancer in Taiwan

BackgroundAbout 50% of lung cancer deaths in Taiwan are not related to cigarette smoking. Environmental exposure may play a role in lung cancer risk. Taiwanese households frequently burn mosquito coil at home to repel mosquitoes. The aim of this hospital-based case-control study was to determine whether exposure to mosquito coil smoke is a risk for lung cancer.MethodsQuestionnaires were administered to 147 primary lung cancer patients and 400 potential controls to ascertain demographic data, occupation, lifestyle data, indoor environmental exposures (including habits of cigarette smoking, cooking methods, incense burning at home, and exposure to mosquito coil smoke ), as well as family history of cancer and detailed medical history.ResultsMosquito coil smoke exposure was more frequent in lung cancer patients than controls (38.1% vs.17.8%; p<0.01). Risk of lung cancer was significantly higher in frequent burners of mosquito coils (more than 3 times [days] per week) than nonburners (adjusted odds ratio = 3.78; 95% confidence interval: 1.55-6.90). Those who seldom burned mosquito coils (less than 3 times per week) also had a significantly higher risk of lung cancer (adjusted odds ratio = 2.67; 95% confidence interval: 1.60-4.50).ConclusionExposure to mosquito coil smoke may be a risk factor for development of lung cancer.

Toxicological Effects Of Some Mosquito Coils Brands In Experimental Rats

Biochemical parameters were used to evaluate the toxic effects of different brands of mosquito coil smoke in experimental rats. The smoke from the coils produced significant increase (P < 0.05) in the levels of total protein, total albumin, bilirubin and blood urea nitrogen when animals were exposed to smoke for 14 days. Similarly, the smoke from the coil also caused an elevation in the activities of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. Although the smoke from the coils did not produce lesions in the hearts, lungs and liver examined, the increase in liver enzyme activities could be due to early liver damage.

Adverse effects of mosquito coil smoke on lung, liver and certain drug metabilishing enzymes in male wistar albino rats

Adverse effects of mosquito coil smoke on lung, liver and certain drug metabilishing enzymes in male wistar albino rats

Household triggers of bronchospasm in children aged less than two years with hyperreactive airway: &lt;i&gt;a multicentre experience&lt;/i&gt;

Aims and Objective : Bronchospasm is rarely seen in children less than two years of age unless they are genetically predisposed to allergy and atopy. Hyperreactive airway presenting with bronchospasm in such children is commonly misdiagnosed and managed as chest infections. This study therefore aims at examining the trigger factors of bronchospasm in these children. Setting/Method : The study was carried out in two private medical centres in Ilorin between June 2002 and May 2003. All children below the age of 2 years presenting with cough and breathlessness of sudden onset with audible wheeze were screened historically for the trigger factors of bronchospasm in their environment. Result : Nine hundred and twenty eight patients were recruited for the study over the one year period. The mean age of the children was 5.4 ± 1.3 months (range: 3 weeks to 24 months). There are two peaks of seasons during which the condition is common (July to September, and January to March). There is a male preponderance with a M:F ratio of 1.3:1. The presenting symptoms were cough (100%), breathlessness (100%), expiratory wheeze (97%), restlessness (65%), sleeplessness (63%), excessive sweating (57%), excessive crying (45%), family history of asthma / allergy / atopy (42%), inability to eat / suck (33%), running nose (31%), abdominal pain in the older infant (27%), vomiting (13%),and exhaustion (7%). The observed clinical signs are: tachypnoea (100%), recessions (100%), rhonchi (100%), dehydration (27%), cyanosis (5%), and hepatomegaly (3%) identified trigger factors include: insecticide spray in 36%, fumes from frying oil in 12%, smoke from kerosene stove in 10%, firewood smoke in 8%, dust in 9%, exposure to cold air and fan in 9%, perfume spray in 8%, mosquito coil smoke in 3%, and kerosene aspiration in 1%. All the children responded well to nebulised salbutamol, while only 7% required the addition of steroid and other supportive care where necessary. Conclusion : Identified household trigger factors of bronchospasm in children less than two years of age include: insecticide spray, fumes, smoke from stove and firewood, and exposure to cold air. The elimination of these factors from the environment of the affected child would go a long way in preventing the attacks. Keywords : infants, bronchospasm, trigger factors, nebulised salbutamol Sahel Medical Journal Vol. 8(3) 2005: 55-59

Mosquito coil smoke inhalation toxicity. Part II: Subchronic nose-only inhalation study in rats

This paper addresses the results of a subchronic inhalation study in rats exposed to the smoke of burning mosquito coils manufactured in Indonesia. The objective of the study was a comparative assessment of different mosquito coils, including a blank coil, utilizing the OECD No. 413 testing paradigm, however, with the focus on hazard identification at a single maximum tolerated exposure concentration rather than concentration-response. Groups of rats were nose-only exposed 6 h a day, 5 days a week for 13 weeks to an average particulate concentration of 30 mg m(-3) from either blank coils or coils that contain the insecticidal ingredient transfluthrin. Nose-only air-exposed rats served as a control. A range of markers of exposure have been characterized to define the most critical exposure metrics with regard to total suspended particulate matter (TSP) and potentially noxious volatile products of combustion. During the course of the exposure period the smoke-exposed rats showed clinical signs suggestive of acute upper respiratory tract sensory irritation. Body weights were mildly affected in the male rats, but food and water consumption were indistinguishable amongst the groups. Carboxyhemoglobin concentrations were approximately 11% throughout the exposure period in smoke exposed rats. Hematology, clinical pathology and urinalysis as well as the analysis of organ weights and histopathology of extrapulmonary organs and the lung did not reveal any evidence of adverse systemic or local effects, whereas in the anterior region of the nasal passages, and to some extent also in the larynx, irritant-related changes typical for water-soluble upper respiratory irritants were found. Markers of pulmonary inflammation or increased phagocytosis and lysosomal activity in bronchoalveolar lavage were indistinguishable amongst the groups. gamma-Glutamyltranspeptidase was significantly increased in the smoke exposure groups, which is taken as indirect evidence of an adaptive upregulation of the pulmonary antioxidant glutathione. In rats exposed to mosquito coil smoke containing transfluthrin, a somewhat increased frequency of alveolar macrophages with foamy appearance was identified through cytodifferentiation but not histopathology compared with the blank coil. From the specific staining of intracellular phospholipids, the notion is supported that this equivocal finding is probably related to an increased uptake of modified pulmonary surfactant rather than increased engulfment of insoluble particulate matter since pigmentation or clustering or intra-alveolar cells did not occur. The results of this subchronic inhalation study support the conclusion that smoke from burning mosquito coils in concentrations high enough to elicit acute upper respiratory tract irritation due to the presence of common wood-combustion products (such as aliphatic aldehydes) did not cause any adverse effect in the lower respiratory tract or any other extrapulmonary organ. The most critical mode of action is related to acute and readily perceivable sensory irritation. The concentration tested was estimated to be well above that occurring under more realistic exposure conditions. Therefore, overnight exposure to the smoke from burning mosquito coils (manufactured in Indonesia) is unlikely to be associated with any unreasonable health risk.

Mosquito coil smoke inhalation toxicity. Part I: Validation of test approach and acute inhalation toxicity

Burning mosquito coils indoors to repel mosquitoes is a common practice in many households in tropical countries. The evaluation and assessment of the inhalation toxicity of smoke emitted from mosquito coils appear to be particularly challenging due to the complex nature of this type of exposure atmosphere. The potential health implications of the gases, volatile agents and particulate matter emitted from burning coils or incense have frequently been addressed; however, state-of-the-art inhalation toxicity studies are scarce. The focus of this paper was comparatively to evaluate and assess the appropriateness and practical constraints of the whole-body versus the nose-only mode of exposure for inhalation toxicity studies with burning mosquito coils. With regard to the controlled exposure of laboratory animals to complex smoke atmospheres the nose-only mode of exposure had distinct advantages over the whole-body exposure, which included a rapid attainment of the inhalation chamber steady state, minimization of particle coagulation and uncontrolled adsorption of condensate onto the chamber surfaces. While in whole-body chambers a different kinetic behaviour of volatile and particulate constituents was found which caused inhomogeneous, i.e. artificially enriched atmospheres with volatile components at the expense of aerosols, the nose-only mode of exposure provided maximum exposure intensities without losses of the particulate phase of the exposure atmosphere. Collectively, the results obtained support the conclusion that the dynamic nose-only mode of exposure is experimentally superior to the quasistatic whole-body exposure mode which provides the least control over exposure atmospheres and the outcome highly contingent on selected experimental factors. Acute inhalation toxicity studies in rats suggest that the most critical metrics of exposure are apparently related to (semi)volatile upper respiratory tract sensory irritants, whilst the asphyxic component, carbon monoxide, plays a role only at overtly irritant exposure levels. However, this study was conducted at exposure concentrations much higher than encountered by people in residential settings and the effects observed under these conditions may not be relevant to hazards from exposures at common use levels. Neither an acute 8 h exposure of rats nor the 1 h sensory irritation study in mice and rats provided experimental evidence that irritant particle-related effects had occurred in the lower respiratory tract. In summary, the protocols devised evaluate and assess the acute inhalation toxicity of mosquito coil smoke demonstrating that the nose-only mode of exposure of rats to the smoke of mosquito coils is suitable to assess the toxic potency of different coils. The nose-only mode has clear advantages over the whole-body exposure mode. The inhalation studies conducted show unequivocally that acute toxic effects are difficult to produce with this type of product even under rigorous testing conditions.

Trace Metals in Mosquito Coil Smoke

Trace Metals in Mosquito Coil Smoke

P4D69 - Cellular, biochemical and genotoxic effects of inhaled mosquito repellent coil smoke in rodents

P4D69 - Cellular, biochemical and genotoxic effects of inhaled mosquito repellent coil smoke in rodents