Can You Use Mosquito Coils Indoors?
WouterUsing mosquito coils indoors isn’t the best idea. These devices produce fumes that can trigger asthma attacks, COPD and other respiratory diseases. They also emit harmful chemicals and particulate matter. They can cause headaches and coughing.
One study from China found that using a mosquito coil was associated with a greater incidence of acute respiratory infections. The same study found that a high level of carbon monoxide (CO) from the smoke produced by a mosquito coil was associated with the greatest risk.
Another study found that using a mosquito coil in an enclosed room produced CO levels comparable to those generated by smoking environmental tobacco smoke. This may be the reason why it is banned in many countries where mosquito-borne illnesses are common.
Another study in Taiwan reported that the use of a mosquito coil had no real effect on protecting people from getting mosquito bites. Other studies in Africa, Australia, India and China have reported a link between lung cancer and the use of mosquito coils.
In the UK, the British government is considering introducing regulations on indoor air pollution. Currently, the maximum permissible level of indoor pollution is ten micrograms per cubic meter of air. While that might be low for some people, the levels are higher than they need to be to prevent health problems.
Some courts in the US are already taking steps to curb indoor air pollution. In particular, a recent study found that a single coil burns as much CO as 100 cigarettes.
