Debunking Common Myths About Mosquito Repellents

/ -- R&D experts at Godrej Consumer Products demystify the conventional myths around mosquitoes and actives in mosquito repellent formats

With the onset of summer followed by the monsoon, mosquito infestation will get rampant. Consumers will look at using different products to protect them from mosquito attack and diseases such as dengue and malaria.

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A team of research scientists and entomologists at Godrej Consumer Products Limited, the market leader in insecticides with brands such as Goodknight and HIT , have debunked a few common myths.

Dr. Sunder Mahadevan, Head - Global R&D at GCPL, said, "People should plan to ensure adequate protection for their families both inside and outside their home, since the threat of mosquitoes is both during the day and night. Using certified, registered products can provide effective protection against mosquitoes."

Few myths and facts are as follows:

MYTH 1: BRANDED PRODUCTS HAVE A LOT OF HARMFUL CHEMICALS

Fact: Both indoor and outdoor products that have the relevant registrations are certified to be safe for use.

 

Branded registered repellents and insecticides that are commonly used at home contain active ingredients such and transfluthrin, d-trans allethrin to act against mosquitoes. These ingredients are certified for use by the Central Insecticides Board (CIB) after a multi-year robust registration process. The Board certification is given after multiple tests to check for safety and effectiveness of these products. Thus, registered products that are available are absolutely safe for use. However, one must be wary of unregistered products that may not have been tested and are illegal.

Personal repellents contain DEBA (N, N-diethyl-benzamide) or essential oils such as eucalyptus and citronella. Since they are for personal use, these products require approval from the Food and Drug Administration. These are also tested for safety, reactions on personal skin application and effectiveness.

MYTH 2: MOSQUITOES ARE ACTIVE ONLY IN THE EVENING AND NIGHT

Fact: The Aedes mosquitoes which spread diseases such as dengue and chikungunya, are active during the day, indoors and outdoors.

The most commonly known mosquitoes in India, the anopheles mosquito that spreads malaria, are mostly active at night.

It is thus important to use known formats such as electric liquid vaporizers and mosquito sprays for protection inside your house and personal repellents such as roll-on and patches for protection outside home both during the day and night.

MYTH 3: DENGUE HAPPENS ONLY DURING A FEW MONTHS OF THE YEAR

Fact: Data released from the Health Management Information System of the Ministry of Health, Government of India, shows that dengue cases are reported in all 12 months of the year. About 3.25 lakh cases were reported between Oct 2017 and September 2018, an average of ~27,000 cases every month.

While dengue is more prominent during and after monsoons when mosquitoes make a comeback, there is no specific time for it. Therefore, while one may want to protect their family only during the peak monsoon season, one also needs to keep in mind that dengue causing mosquitoes are present throughout the year. Experts advise that proper precautions and measures need to be taken at all times when going out or even within the house.

MYTH 4: MOSQUITOES ARE ATTRACTED TO PEOPLE WITH 'SWEET BLOOD'

Fact: Mosquitoes are attracted to carbon dioxide exhaled in breath, body heat and lactic acid secretions. Research experiments show that those with O Positive blood group are about twice as likely to attract mosquitoes as those with A Positive blood group.

Nevertheless, there is no research to prove that anyone is completely protected from mosquito bites. Even a single mosquito bite can infect a person with malaria, dengue, chikungunya or other mosquito borne diseases. Experts recommend using formats such as electric liquid vaporizers, sprays or personal repellents such as roll on or patches approved by the Government authorities for adequate protection.

MYTH 5: MOSQUITOES BREED IN DIRTY WATER AND SEWAGES

Fact: Aedes mosquitoes that spread dengue also breed in fresh water in one's home. Areas such as flower pots, cooler/AC trays, fridge trays, uncovered buckets are typical breeding sites.

Do not leave stagnant water lying anywhere in the home. Eliminate the unnecessary collection of water in all the sources mentioned above. Cover water storage containers with a fine mesh.

Always apply personal mosquito repellents whenever stepping out.

About Godrej Consumer Products

Godrej Consumer Products is a leading emerging markets company. As part of the 121-year young Godrej Group, we are fortunate to have a proud legacy built on the strong values of trust, integrity and respect for others. At the same time, we are growing fast and have exciting, ambitious aspirations. Today, our Group enjoys the patronage of 1.15 billion consumers globally, across different businesses. In line with our 3 by 3 approach to international expansion at Godrej Consumer Products, we are building a presence in 3 emerging markets (Asia, Africa, Latin America) across 3 categories (home care, personal wash, hair care). We rank among the largest household insecticide and hair care players in emerging markets. In household insecticides, we are the leader in India, the second largest player in Indonesia and are expanding our footprint in Africa. We are the leader in serving the hair care needs of women of African descent, the number one player in hair colour in India and Sub-Saharan Africa, and among the leading players in Latin America. We rank number two in soaps in India and are the number one player in air fresheners and wet tissues in Indonesia.

But for us, it is very important that besides our strong financial performance and innovative, much-loved products, we remain a good company. Approximately 23 per cent of the promoter holding in our Group is held in trusts that invest in the environment, health and education. We are also bringing together our passion and purpose to make a difference through our 'Good & Green' approach to create a more inclusive and greener India.

At the heart of all of this, is our talented team. We take much pride in fostering an inspiring workplace, with an agile and high performance culture. We are also deeply committed to recognizing and valuing diversity across our teams.

Source: Godrej Consumer Products Ltd.