Mosquito Coils Research Articles

A sequential study of Chikungunya fever cases notified in the urban setup of India

ABSTRACT Context: Chikungunya’s resurgence highlights reporting and awareness challenges. Aims: To analyze trends in 170 laboratory-confirmed Chikungunya cases in Urban Surat’s Central Sentinel Surveillance (2016-2020), supplemented by a subset (n = 30) examining perceptions, attitudes, and risk reduction practices based on notification level. Results: Notification rates peaked in 2017 (1.14 cases/100,000). A high House Index (>1) was observed in 59% (2018) and 58% (2019) of cases. Seasonal peaks occurred in November (31%) and December (24.7%), with no private sector notifications. Highest case rates were in South (9.2) and Southeast (8.1) zones. Over half of the cases in Central (69.2%), Southeast (67.2%), and South (52.8%) zones had a House Index >1 (P = 0.001), indicating significant indoor mosquito breeding. Median age was 37 years (30-43), with females comprising 65.3% of cases. Awareness of mosquitoes as vectors (40%) and their day-biting behavior (26.7%) was low, despite familiarity with Abate larvicide (60%). Prevention methods included mosquito coils (76%) and fumigation (73%), with less emphasis on water change (40%) and container maintenance (23%). Only 13% perceived Chikungunya as preventable, with low readiness for community engagement (13%). Misconceptions included considering chemical fogging sufficient (63%) and neglecting water-logging as a health concern (40%). Few implemented risk reduction measures (23% removing stagnant water, 20% weekly water change). Conclusion: Fluctuating notifications and unnoticed surges in 2019-2020 underscore the need for continuous, standardized surveillance. Higher case rates in southern and central regions were linked to high indoor breeding. The lack of private sector reporting and underreporting indicate a need for integrated surveillance. Awareness and adoption of Aedes-specific risk reduction practices remain low, with persistent misconceptions and poor attitudes.

Characterizing indoor air quality and identifying factors influencing air quality at home microenvironment in Dhaka city

In low- and middle-income countries, indoor air pollution stands as a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality, prompting research into the factors influencing exposure at home in urban environments. Thus, this study was designed to investigate the indoor air quality and identifying factors influencing indoor air quality which help in targeting intervention to reduce indoor home air quality. The study conducted in Dhaka city involved 43 homes, where continuous monitoring of PM2.5 concentration was carried out over a 24-h period. Various factors related to home characteristics (i.e., home area and cooking fuel type), ventilation practices (i.e., duration of window opening), and indoor activities (i.e., cooking frequency, daily average cooking duration per meal, cleaning, smoking and use of mosquito coil and spray) were assessed to explore their impact on indoor air quality. Through the multiple linear regression model, the relationship between the factors and indoor pollutant concentrations was analyzed. The average PM2.5 concentration recorded in this investigation was five time higher in comparison to the World Health Organization's (WHO) 24-h guideline level for ambient air pollution. Four factors including outdoor air, home area, cooking duration and cleaning frequency were found to be significantly linked to indoor concentrations, collectively explaining 64 % of the variability in indoor PM2.5 levels. Outdoor air infiltration emerged as the most influential predictor of indoor levels, contributing significantly to indoor concentrations. The identified factors could assist in targeting interventions to reduce microenvironmental PM2.5 concentration at home.

Histomorphological Changes in Testis of Rats with Prolonged Exposure to Allethrin-Based Mosquito Coil Smoke.

To explore the potential adverse effects of prolonged inhalation of mosquito coil smoke on the testicular histomorphology and serum testosterone levels in rats. An experimental study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Anatomy, Army Medical College, National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from January to December 2020. This study was carried out on 20 male Sprague-Dawley rats, divided into control Group A (n = 10) and experimental Group B (n = 10). Rats in Group B were exposed to mosquito coil smoke (allethrin-based) for 4 hours / day for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks of exposure, serum testosterone levels and testicular morphology (seminiferous tubule diameter, germinal epithelium height, and testicular capsule thickness) were compared between the groups. Rats exposed to mosquito coil smoke showed significantly reduced serum testosterone levels (p <0.001) along with testicular histological disruption in terms of significantly dilated seminiferous tubules (p <0.001), reduced germinal epithelial height (p <0.001), and thickened testicular capsule (p <0.001), as compared to the control group. Prolonged inhalation of allethrin-based mosquito coil smoke reduced serum testosterone levels and caused testicular histological disruption in the exposed group of rats. Allethrin, Germinal epithelium, Mosquito coil, Seminiferous tubules, Testicular capsule, Testosterone, Testis.

ANALYSIS OF THE INCIDENT OF ARI IN TODDLER CHILDREN 0-59 MONTHS

ISPA is a disease that is often referred to as one of the top 10 diseases in developing countries and ISPA is the number one disease in the top ten list of diseases that is a trend in patient visits to health centers. ISPA cases in Community Health Centers have fluctuated over the last three years, and there has been no research regarding ISPA cases in children aged 0-59 months in Community Health Centers. The design of this research is quantitative with a cross-sectional approach. The population of this study were parents of children under five who were seeking treatment at the Community Health Center in 2024. The sample in this study was 78 people. The sampling method uses purposive sampling. This research was carried out on February 15-March 14 2024. Data was collected using a questionnaire. Bivariate data analysis used the Chi-Square test. The results of the study showed that there was a relationship between exclusive breastfeeding (p value 0.000) and the use of mosquito coils (p value 0.000). There is no relationship between age (p value 1.000), gender (p value 0.37) and smoking habits at home (p value 0.20) on the incidence of ARI in children under five 0-59 months at the Rawa Bening Community Health Center in 2024. The conclusion is there exclusive breastfeeding and the use of mosquito coils. There is no relationship between age, gender and smoking habits at home. For the Community Health Center, the Community Health Center should provide health education about exclusive breastfeeding both at the Community Health Center and at the Posyandu as well as how to prevent ISPA in the home environment.

Airborne metofluthrin, a pyrethroid repellent, does not impact foraging honey bees.

Outdoor spatial mosquito repellents, such as mosquito coils or heating devices, release pyrethroid insecticides into the air to provide protection from mosquitoes within a defined area. This broadcast discharge of pyrethroids into the environment raises concern about the effect on non-target organisms. A previous study found that prallethrin discharged from a heating device did not affect honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) [Hymenoptera: Apidae] foraging or recruitment. In this second study, there was no significant difference in foraging frequency (our primary outcome), waggle dance propensity, or persistency in honey bees collecting sucrose solution between those exposed to metofluthrin from a different heating device and bees exposed to a non-metofluthrin control. One measure, waggle dance frequency, was higher in the metofluthrin treatment than the control but this outcome was likely a spurious result due to the small sample size. The small particle size of the emissions, averaging 4.43 µm, from the heated spatial repellent products, which remain airborne with little settling, may play an important role in the lack of effect found on honey bee foraging.

Determination of personal exposure to volatile organic compounds and their health risks after the use of mosquito repellents in residential environments using passive sampling

The ubiquitous use of mosquito repellents in homes across Asia, Africa, and South America is related with human exposure to indoor volatile organic compounds (VOCs). There are three primary types of mosquito repellents: those in the form of coils, mats, and liquids. The repellent mechanisms of these products are distinct, resulting in the generation of varying types of VOCs during the repellent process. In this study, the emission characteristics of commercial coil-, mat-, and liquid-type mosquito repellents were observed in a laboratory chamber using real-time measurement. A previously developed personal passive sampler, ePTFE PS, was used to quantify personal exposure to indoor VOCs while 86 volunteers habitually used those three representative types for 3 h in their residence. Notable increase of indoor benzene was observed for coil- and mat-type mosquito repellents, while α-pinene concentration increased significantly following the use of liquid-type mosquito repellent. The average incremental cancer risks for benzene were 10−6 to 10−4 for adults following the use of coil- and mat-type mosquito repellents. The average non-cancer risks for all chemicals were <1 after the use of three types of mosquito repellents. Considering the potential human health risks associated with byproducts (e.g., particulate matter or carbon monoxide from incomplete combustion) emitted after mosquito coil use, further research on this topic is warranted.

The Relationship between Home Environmental Sanitation and ISPA Incidence in Toddlers in Kaleroang Village, South Bungku District, Morowali Regency

Background: Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) is the main cause of death in toddlers which is still a health problem in Indonesia, especially in the Kaleroang Health Center UPT work area which is increasing every year. Namely, in 2020 the prevalence of ARI cases is as much as (21.7%) in 2021 as many as (28.5%) and in 2022 the prevalence will increase (28.9%). The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between home environmental sanitation and the incidence of ARI in toddlers in Kaleroang Village, South Bungku District, Morowali Regency. Methods: This type of research is a quantitative study with a cross sectional study design. The population in this study were all mothers who had toddlers in Kaleroang Village, namely 106 people, the total sample was 84 people who were taken by random sampling . Retrieval of data using observation sheets and questionnaires. Data were analyzed statistically using the Chi-Square test. Results: The results of this study indicate that there is a relationship between home ventilation and the incidence of ARI in toddlers with a value of X2 counts (5.841) &gt; X2 tables (3.841), house occupancy density2 counts (7.171) &gt; X2 tables (3.841), members smoking habits family X2 counts (4,701) &gt; X2 tables (3,841), use of mosquito coils X2 counts (10,903) &gt; X2 tables (3,841), and immunization status X2 counts (5,409) &gt; X2 tables (3,841). Conclusions: it can be concluded that house ventilation, house occupancy density, smoking habits of family members, use of mosquito coils, and immunization status are related to the incidence of ARI in toddlers in Kaleroang Village. It is suggested to the UPT Kaleroang Health Center to further increase education related to the risk of ARI transmission based on the environment.

Protective Effects of Coenzyme Q10 on Testicular Histology in Rats Exposed via Chronic Mosquito Coil Smoke Inhalation.

To determine the preventive effect of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) on the testicular histology of rats exposed chronically to mosquito coil smoke. Experimental study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of Anatomy, Army Medical College/National University of Medical Sciences, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from January to December 2020. Thirty male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into three groups of 10 rats each. Group A was the healthy control. Group B rats were exposed to allethrin-based mosquito coil smoke for 12 weeks (4 hours/day). Group C rats received coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10, 10mg/kg/day) through oral gavage, in addition to 12 weeks of mosquito coil smoke exposure (4 hours/day). At the end of the study, testicular histology was compared among three groups including the germinal epithelium height, seminiferous tubule diameter, and testicular capsule thickness, while adjusting for the body weight variations among rats. The rats in Group B, exposed only to mosquito coil smoke showed testicular disruption, characterised by dilated seminiferous tubules (p <0.001), reduced germinal epithelial height (p <0.001), and thickened testicular capsule (p <0.007), as compared to the control group rats. However, the germinal epithelium height (p = 0.73) and testicular capsule thickness (p = 0.31) of rats receiving CoQ10 in addition to mosquito coil smoke inhalation were not significantly different from the control group. Prolonged inhalation of allethrin-based mosquito coil smoke can cause testicular disruption among rats. The oral CoQ10 administration can effectively prevent the histomorphological adverse effects on the testis among rats exposed to mosquito coil smoke. Allethrin, Coenzyme Q10, Germinal epithelium, Mosquito coil, Seminiferous tubules, Testicular capsule.

Activity of mosquito coils from the solid waste of patchouli (pogostemon cablin benth) with addition of torch ginger (etlingera elatior) flower

Activity of mosquito coils from the solid waste of patchouli (pogostemon cablin benth) with addition of torch ginger (etlingera elatior) flower

Peaks, sources, and immediate health impacts of PM2.5 and PM1 exposure in Indonesia and Taiwan with microsensors.

Microsensors have been used for the high-resolution particulate matter (PM) monitoring. This study applies PM and health microsensors with the objective of assessing the peak exposure, sources, and immediate health impacts of PM2.5 and PM1 in two Asian countries. Exposure assessment and health evaluation were carried out for 50 subjects in 2018 and 2019 in Bandung, Indonesia and for 55 subjects in 2019 and 2020 in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Calibrated AS-LUNG sets and medical-certified RootiRx® sensors were used to assess PM and heart-rate variability (HRV), respectively. Overall, the 5-min mean exposure of PM2.5 and PM1 was 30.4 ± 20.0 and 27.0 ± 15.7 µg/m3 in Indonesia and 14.9 ± 11.2 and 13.9 ± 9.8 µg/m3 in Taiwan, respectively. The maximum 5-min peak PM2.5 and PM1 exposures were 473.6 and 154.0 µg/m3 in Indonesia and 467.4 and 217.7 µg/m3 in Taiwan, respectively. Community factories and mosquito coil burning are the two most important exposure sources, resulting in, on average, 4.73 and 5.82 µg/m3 higher PM2.5 exposure increments for Indonesian subjects and 10.1 and 9.82 µg/m3 higher PM2.5 exposure for Taiwanese subjects compared to non-exposure periods, respectively. Moreover, agricultural waste burning and incense burning were another two important exposure sources, but only in Taiwan. Furthermore, 5-min PM2.5 and PM1 exposure had statistically significantly immediate impacts on the HRV indices and heart rates of all subjects in Taiwan and the scooter subjects in Indonesia with generalized additive mixed models. The HRV change for a 10 µg/m3 increase in PM2.5 and PM1 ranged from -0.9% to -2.5% except for ratio of low-high frequency, with greater impacts associated with PM1 than PM2.5 in both countries. This work highlights the ability of microsensors to capture high peaks of PM2.5 and PM1, to identify exposure sources through the integration of activity records, and to assess immediate changes in heart rate variability for a panel of approximately 50 subjects in Indonesia and Taiwan. This study stands out as one of the few to demonstrate the immediate health impacts of peak PM, complementing to the short-term (days or weeks) or long-term effects (months or longer) assessed in most epidemiological studies. The technology/methodology employed offer great potential for researchers in the resource-limited countries with high PM2.5 and PM1 levels.

Impact of the exposure of sublethal dose of mosquito coil on the development of insecticide resistance in Aedes aegypti (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae).

Mosquito coil is commonly used in many African households for protection against mosquito bites. The coil usually has semi-volatile pyrethroids as an active ingredient, which usually diffuse across open space, and the cloud either kills mosquitoes that are exposed, or mosquitoes can be exposed to sublethal doses of the insecticides. This study was conducted to assess the impact of sublethal doses of mosquito coil on the development of insecticide resistance in Aedes aegypti, a major vector for dengue fever and several other arboviral diseases. A laboratory colony of Ae. aegypti was exposed to sublethal doses of a meperfluthrin-based mosquito coil in a Peet-Grady chamber once per generation for 16 generations. The susceptibility of the exposed colony to a diagnostic dose of the mosquito coil as well as to three other insecticides was determined. Three different kdr mutations and five enzyme activities were evaluated in both the exposed and control colonies. After 16 generations of sublethal exposure to mosquito coils, the full diagnostic dose of the coil caused 68% mortality to the exposed colony compared to 100% mortality in the control colony. Mortality caused by deltamethrin (0.05%) was also significantly lower in the exposed colony. The frequency of 1016I kdr mutation as well as MFO and alpha esterase activities were higher in the exposed colony compared to the control colony. This study provides evidence of the development of pyrethroid resistance in an Ae. aegypti population due to sublethal exposure to mosquito coil for 16 generations. Given the large-scale use of mosquito coils in many African households, its role as a pyrethroid resistance selection source should be taken into consideration when designing resistance management strategies.

Toxicological Effects of Commonly Used Mosquito Coil Smoke on Liver and Lung Function in Rats

The utilization of mosquito coils as a household-level strategy for mosquito control is widely practiced in malaria-endemic regions spanning Africa, Asia, and South America. However, the continuous application of mosquito coils has prompted significant apprehensions concerning environmental and health implications. This research aims to evaluate the potential hepatic and pulmonary toxicities associated with the inhalation of mosquito coil smoke in rat subjects over both sub-chronic and chronic durations. A questionnaire was used to make inquiries regarding the prevalent types and brands of mosquito coils employed, the manner in which they are used, the durations for which they are utilized. A total of twenty-four albino rats were categorized into three distinct groups: the control group and two exposed groups. These groups were subjected to distinct brands of mosquito coil smoke across two distinct exposure regimens – a sub-chronic exposure lasting 4 weeks and a chronic exposure spanning 12 weeks. Following the exposure periods, blood samples were collected for the analysis of serum-based and biochemical markers, including serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), bilirubin, serum bicarbonate, and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), oxygen saturation, C-reactive protein, total protein, and microscopic analysis of lung tissue and liver tissue. The histopathological analysis of lung tissue was appropriately included. However, the analysis of liver tissue was omitted. The results demonstrated a significant elevation in the levels of these biochemical markers among the exposed rats in comparison to the control group. Concurrently, a decrease in blood oxygen saturation was noted in the exposed rats when contrasted with the control group. Conversely, the serum concentrations of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, total protein, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) did not exhibit notable differences in relation to the control group. Additionally, microscopic analysis of lung tissue indicated the presence of histopathological lesions in the exposed rats, suggesting a detrimental impact of mosquito coil smoke exposure in a time-dependent progression.

Evaluating the Particulate Matter and Carbon Dioxide Reduction of Four Broad-leaved Evergreen Plants

Background and objective: Since people spend 70-80% of their time indoors, the quality of indoor air has become a crucial factor in overall health. Therefore, poor indoor air quality can have significant adverse effects on our well-being. Common indoor air pollutants are particulate matter (PM) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Plants can remove PM and CO2 through the photosynthesis process and leaf surfaces, and regulate the temperature and humidity of the air. By analyzing the PM and CO2 reduction of four broad-leaved evergreen plants, this study aims to provide data for air purification in indoor spaces.Methods: The four different plant species (Neolitsea sericea (Blume) Koidz., Coffea arabica L., Photinia glabra(Thunb.) Franch. and Sav., and Farfugium japonicum (L.) Kitam.) were selected for this study. Mosquito coils and a CO2 cylinder were the primary sources of PM and CO2. These pollutants were injected into a closed acrylic chamber with plants, and the air quality within the chamber was monitored for a duration of five hours. The plants' effectiveness in reducing carbon dioxide was evaluated through the clean air delivery rate (CADR), while their ability to reduce PM was assessed by analyzing the PM reduction rate. Photosynthetic rates and leaf area were also measured to determine the correlation between air pollution removal and these factors.Results: The ability to remove PM and CO2 varied among plants. Plants with higher rates of photosynthesis were more effective in reducing PM and CO2 than those with lower rates. Among the four plant species, C. arabica and P. glabra were more effective in removing PM and CO2 than the other species. The chamber containing plants exhibited higher humidity and lower temperatures compared to the chamber without plants.Conclusion: These findings suggest that plants can play a significant role in improving indoor air quality. Not only do they effectively reduce levels of PM and CO2, but they also contribute to the regulation of indoor temperature and humidity. The implications of these results highlight the potential of integrating plants into indoor spaces as a natural and multifaceted solution for creating healthier and more comfortable environments.

Facilitators and barriers to integrated malaria prevention in Wakiso district, Uganda: A photovoice study.

Malaria continues to cause significant morbidity and mortality globally, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Appropriate combinations of non-chemical and chemical methods of malaria vector control in the context of integrated vector management have been recommended by the World Health Organization. The aim of the study was to explore facilitators and barriers to using integrated malaria prevention in Wakiso district, Uganda. This qualitative study employed photovoice among 20 community members in Kasanje Town Council, Wakiso District. The photos taken by participants for 5 months using smartphones were discussed during monthly meetings with the researchers. The discussions were audio-recorded, and resulting data analysed using thematic analysis with the support of NVivo (2020) QSR International. Findings indicated that various conventional and non-conventional measures were being used for preventing malaria such as: insecticide treated nets; clearing overgrown vegetation; draining stagnant water; mosquito coils; smouldering of cow dung; spraying insecticides; plant repellents near houses; eating of prophylactic herbs; as well as closing doors and windows on houses early in the evening. Facilitators supporting the use of several malaria prevention methods holistically included: low cost and accessibility of some methods such as slashing overgrown vegetation; and support provided for certain methods such as receiving free mosquito nets from the government. Barriers to using several malaria prevention methods holistically included: inadequate knowledge of some methods such as housing improvement; allergic reactions to chemical-based methods such as insecticide treated nets; unaffordability of some methods such as insecticide sprays; and inaccessibility of certain methods such as body repellents. These barriers to integrated malaria prevention need to be addressed to achieve greater impact from the combination of methods in endemic communities.

A new Mach–Zehnder interference temperature measuring sensor based on silica-based chip

A new type of silicon-based Mach–Zehnder interference (MZI) temperature sensor chip with “mosquito coil” structure was designed. The sensor chip used a new MZI interference structure. After the light entered the chip, it split and interfered in the combiner of the chip. The change in the surrounding temperature will cause the refractive index of the waveguide to change, which will cause the output light intensity to change. The sensor used a frequency stabilized laser that was based on a Bragg grating fiber. The experimental results showed that this structure could achieve a resolution of 0.002 °C and measuring range of 30 °C.

Histopathological Changes Induced by Exposure of Mosquito Coil Smoke on the Liver of Adult Wistar Albino Rats – An Experimental Study

Background: Mosquito coils are widely used to control mosquitoes due to their low cost. However, their combustion releases harmful pollutants. Objective: This study investigates the histological changes in rat liver due to exposure to mosquito coil smoke containing d-trans allethrin. Methods: Eighteen Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control (Group A), exposed for 4 weeks (Group B), and exposed for 6 weeks (Group C). The rats were exposed to the smoke for 8 hours daily. Liver tissues were collected, fixed, sectioned, and stained for histological analysis. Results: Prolonged exposure to mosquito coil smoke leads to significant liver damage and inflammation due to the release of fine particles and toxic compounds. Conclusion: Long-term exposure to mosquito coil smoke is hepatotoxic. Public awareness and measures to minimize exposure are necessary.

The Teratogenic Effect of Dimefluthrin-Based Mosquito Coils on Pregnant Mice (Mus musculus L.)

Dimefluthrin, a synthetic pyrethroid insecticide, claims to be safe and harmless to mammals. However, the potential risk of mosquito coils containing dimefluthrin to pregnant mice remains uncertain. This study aimed to examine the teratogenic effect of dimefluthrin when inhaled by pregnant mice at different stages of gestation. The study used mosquito coils with 0.031% dimefluthrin as the active ingredient and was exposed to pregnant mice at various pregnancy stages. The results revealed that mosquito coils with dimefluthrin had teratogenic effects, reducing the number of live fetuses and increasing the number of dead fetuses, especially from the seventh to the eighteenth day of pregnancy. Additionally, there was a decrease in fetal weight, length, and volume, particularly during the seventh to eighth day of gestation. Hemorrhages were observed as fetal abnormalities and were highest three hr after exposure every day during pregnancy. The conclusion of this research is pregnant mice exposed to mosquito coil smoke containing dimefluthrin experienced a decrease in the number of live fetuses and an increase in fetal mortality. While there was no significant impact on reabsorption, the fetuses showed reduced weight, and size, and an increased incidence of hemorrhages when exposed for three hr daily during pregnancy.

Ameliorative effect of Quercetin and Omega-3 Fatty Acids on haematological and liver function impairment induced by mosquito coil smoke in male Wistar rats

The use of mosquito coils is one method adopted to control malaria Inhalation of the coil smoke causes adverse effects, including hepatic and haematological toxicities associated with oxidative stress. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of phytochemical antioxidants (Quercetin and Omega-3) on mosquito coil smoke-induced haematological and hepatic impairments. Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups viz control, mosquito coil-only (MC), mosquito coil+Quercetin (MC+Q) and mosquito coil+Omega-3 (MC+OM3) groups of five rats each. Quercetin and Omega-3 were administered daily at 20mg/kg and 600mg/kg respectively. The duration of daily exposure and treatment was 42 days after which blood samples were collected via cardiac puncture for determination of relevant haematological and hepatic parameters. The RBC count was significantly reduced in the MC group compared with the control (P&lt;0.05) but was higher in the MC+Quercetin group than in the MC group. Haemoglobin was decreased in the MC and MC+Omega-3 groups compared with the control (P&lt;0.05). White blood cell count was higher in the MC group than in the control group (P&lt;0.05) but lower in the MC+OM3 and MC+Q groups than in the MC group (P&lt;0.05). The lymphocyte count was higher in the MC group than in the control group (P&lt;0.05). Serum aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase were significantly increased (P&lt;0.05) in the MC group compared with the control group but were reduced (P&lt;0.05) in the MC+OM3 and MC+Q groups compared with the MC group. Serum alkaline phosphatase was significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) in the MC group than in control (P&lt;0.05) but significantly lower (P&lt;0.05) in the MC+OM3 group than in the MC group. Serum total bilirubin was significantly elevated in the MC group compared to that in the control group (P&lt;0.05). The serum concentration of direct bilirubin was significantly higher (P&lt;0.05) in the MC group than in the control group. We conclude that Omega-3 and Quercetin ameliorate haematological and hepatic function impairments in Wistar rats exposed to mosquito coil smoke.

Assessing school children's personal exposure to PM2.5 in Suva, Fiji

Globally, there is little information on children's personal exposure to particle pollution in developing countries, and hardly any in the Pacific Island Countries. This study was conducted with school children in Suva, Fiji, with the aim of assisting to fill this gap in knowledge. The participants included eighty-four children ranging from 10 to 15 years of age from five schools and two communities, defined as Group A and Group B, respectively. Each child was fitted with a KOALA air quality monitor which measured PM2.5 and carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations in real time over 24 h. Time activity diaries (TAD) and questionnaires were used by the students to record the start and end times of each activity in the different microenvironments occupied. For both groups, the PM2.5 concentration averaged over all children showed three distinct peaks in the morning, midday and in the evening. Several CO peaks were formed at different times of the day. The 24-h average CO concentrations for Group A and Group B students were 0.35 mg/m3 and 0.43 mg/m3, respectively. Time spent in the bedroom showed the highest average exposure (94.3 μg/m3, 301.1 μg/m3) and exposure intensity (5.8, 14.3), with the indoor exposure at home being significantly higher than the outdoor exposure for both groups. Based on the information obtained from the time activity diaries, questionnaires and follow-up interviews, the sources of these particles were most probably from cooking, smoking, burning of mosquito repellent coils, resuspension of dust in the classroom.Although this study could not apportion the specific contributions of emissions from cooking, cigarette smoke and mosquito coils, it may be concluded that these are significant sources for children's exposure and should be controlled.

Use of Household Insecticides against Mosquitoes in Dengue-Endemic Areas in Sri Lanka.

The use of household insecticides in the formulation of mosquito coils and vaporizers is common among the public to protect against mosquito-borne diseases. However, information regarding the use of these commonly practiced household insecticides is scarce in Sri Lanka. A questionnaire-based survey was directed to 600 households in Colombo, Gampaha, Kandy, Kalutara, Jaffna, and Galle districts in Sri Lanka. Household insecticides were used by the majority of the respondents (57.0%), and electric liquid vaporizers (46.7%) and mosquito coils (45.7%) were the commonly used forms. The active ingredients in mosquito coils were d-trans-allethrin (w/w 0.12%), metofluthrin (w/w 0.005%), and dimefluthrin (w/w 0.01%); in liquid vaporizers, they were prallethrin (w/v 1.24% and w/v 1.26%) and transfluthrin (w/v 0.9%). The majority of the household insecticide consumers were moderately satisfied with the effectiveness of the products (68.6%), and most of the participants used household insecticides daily (35.5%), especially during the evening (41.6%). Most of the consumers were unaware of the chemicals included in household insecticides (62.8%). Mosquito coils were abundantly used by rural area participants (75.8%), whereas liquid vaporizers were the most common among the urban participants (56.4%). The findings indicate that demographic and socioeconomic factors influence household insecticide practices. To our knowledge, this study reveals the use of household insecticides to control mosquitoes for the first time in Sri Lanka and highlights the importance of awareness programs and the proper utilization of these products.