FDA warns vs buying unregistered mosquito coils

Amid the threat of dengue being spread by mosquitoes during the rainy season, health authorities warned the public against unregistered mosquito coils in several markets.

The FDA warned these unregistered coils may not contain sufficient doses of the active ingredient that will repel mosquitoes, if they contain the ingredient at all.

"...Unregistered mosquito coils may not contain any active ingredient (A.I.) or may not contain the correct strength of the A.I. In effect, it will not be able to ward off or kill mosquitoes that can potentially bite the victim and, thus successfully transmit the infectious pathogen if carries," FDA acting head Kenneth Hartigan-Go said in FDA Advisory 2013-029.

Also he said, "Pesticides in mosquito coils found in unregistered products may be toxic when inhaled or accidentally ingested by toddler or children."

He noted mosquito coils may sell briskly during the rainy season, which is associated with mosquitoes and mosquito-borne diseases.

Such diseases may include dengue, chikungunya, malaria, and Japanese encephalitis.

On the other hand, Hartigan-Go said the active ingredient in the unregistered coils may not have passed FDA evaluation and approval.

Moreover, he said the FDA classifies mosquito coils as household hazardous substances that need FDA registration.

Registered brands

Hartigan-Go said there are only nine brands of mosquito coils that are registered with the FDA and safe for use at home, including: