How Dangerous Is Mosquito Coil? New Research Reveals Horrifying Truth

Mosquito coils are widely used to keep mosquitoes away but research has found that burning them indoors can release high levels of fine particles and other pollutants. One study found that the particulate matter from a single coil can equal the amount produced by burning 75 to 137 cigarettes.

A study published in Environmental Health Perspectives examined emissions from mosquito coils and found fine particles, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and various volatile organic compounds in the smoke. Some of the identified compounds are known or suspected carcinogens.

Other research has also detected pollutants such as carbon monoxide and benzene in mosquito coil emissions.

The cigarette comparison refers specifically to the amount of PM2.5 released, not to the overall health effects of one coil being identical to smoking 75–137 cigarettes.

Closed Rooms Can Increase Exposure

Research published in Chest found that burning mosquito coils in a room with closed doors and windows produced very high concentrations of PM2.5 and carbon monoxide. Opening a window reduced these levels by around half, while opening both the door and window reduced them by more than 95% in the study.

Exposure to mosquito coil smoke can irritate the respiratory system and may cause symptoms such as coughing and breathing difficulties. People with existing respiratory problems may face greater concern from indoor smoke exposure

The research suggests that mosquito coils should not be burned in poorly ventilated rooms. Improving ventilation can substantially reduce indoor exposure to the pollutants released during burning