Illegal mosquito repellent agarbattis commonly used in Indian homes may be causing serious respiratory health risks comparable to cigarette smoke exposure, according to a new study commissioned by the Home Insect Control Association (HICA).
Conducted by Kantar across 12 cities, the survey covered 1,264 households and 405 doctors, including pulmonologists, paediatricians, general physicians, and gynaecologists.
The findings revealed that 67% of doctors believe the health risks posed by illegal mosquito agarbattis are comparable to cigarette smoke, while 70% classified such products as a “major respiratory hazard”.
The study noted that despite their widespread use, 95% of surveyed households did not report mosquito-borne diseases like dengue or malaria in the past year.
According to the report, India’s mosquito agarbatti market is valued at around ₹2,000 crore, with up to 85% dominated by unregulated players lacking government approvals and mandatory CIR registration labels.
Commenting on the findings, Dr. Sanjith Saseedharan, Director – Critical Care, S.L. Raheja Hospital, Mahim – A Fortis Associate, said, “While mosquito repellent is vital to safeguard infections like dengue fever, one must be careful to avoid constant exposure to smoke emanating from these products, including mosquito agarbattis. The problem arises because some of the mosquito repellents sold in the market do not meet the required standard since some products can contain toxic substances like pyrethroids, organophosphates, heavy metals, and other compounds that can irritate the respiratory tract.”
He added, “Respiratory problems and allergies caused by these illegal mosquito agarbattis are becoming more common among those who use them continuously at home.”
The study further warned that children, elderly individuals, asthma patients, and people suffering from COPD are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of prolonged smoke exposure.
