Burning mosquito coils can kill you. YES, it’s true

Yes, we know it’s dengue season and mosquito coils and sheets are selling like hot cakes. But before you fire up those coils and sheets to fumigate your room, we have to WARN you about something. The thing is, burning mosquito coils in an enclosed space doesn’t just kill mosquitoes in your room. In the long run, it can kill you too.

Yes, we aren’t kidding. First, it irritates your organs, and then bam! It feeds on them slowly.

Why is burning a mosquito coil dangerous?

And those of you who are inhaling this poison every day, listen up! We have Dr Vikrant Shah, consulting physician, intensivist, and infectious disease specialist from Zen Multispeciality Hospital, Mumbai, who has something to share with you.

“Yes, that’s right! This practice can take a toll on your lungs causing lung cancer. It can also trigger respiratory conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and even headaches. Hence, it is the need of the hour to educate yourself about the dangers of using a mosquito coil and adopt some other safe mosquito prevention measures like nets, wearing full-sleeved clothes, or using repellents. Read on to know more about this, and try to limit the usage of coils. After all, it’s about your health, and you cannot ignore it, right?,” suggests Dr Shah.

Here are 5 things that can happen if your burn a mosquito coil daily

Mosquito coils are commonly used in homes and offices. These coils contain heavy metals like aluminum, chromium, and tin, insecticides, pesticide pyrethrin, or aromatic substances (such as citronella) to repel mosquitoes or lower the likelihood of them biting you. But these mosquito coils emit pollutants that can lead to illnesses.

Here, we tell you about various diseases and conditions that can be seen owing to the burning of mosquito coils on a regular basis.

1. Lung cancer: Mosquito coils contain carcinogens that can give a tough time to your lungs, ultimately raising the risk of lung cancer.

2. Triggers asthma and COPD: Those who are suffering from asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) need to be cautious. This is so because the burning of mosquito coils can lead to an asthma attack, breathing problems, and even cough.

3. Headaches: The substances present in the coils can induce headaches. There are a majority of people who will suffer from headaches after burning a coil. Thus, using a coil may not be a good idea.

4. Rashes on the skin and allergies: The metals in the coils can also invite rashes and allergies. So, be vigilant while using the coils.

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5. Harmful effects on children: The coils contain chemicals that are not safe to be inhaled, and can cause or aggravate breathing problems due to indoor air pollution.

“They may even irritate the eyes or cause allergies. In large doses, the chemicals can cause serious illnesses, cough, wheezing, constant sneezing, asthma, sore throat, nausea and dizziness, respiratory irritation, and even suffocation,” warns Dr Shah.

If the coils are kept near babies or small children, they can also lead to serious burns. You would not want your child to be in danger, right? Moreover, the babies can accidentally ingest the coils too. So, it is essential for you to avoid burning coils at home to ensure the safety of your child.

“Be aware of the chronic health risks that occur due to the burning of coils and avoid using them frequently,” concludes Dr Shah.

So the next time you burn a mosquito coil in an enclosed space, just make sure you remember these tips!