Most people burn coils to ward off mosquitoes, and many even light one in a closed room before sleeping. But experts warn that the smoke from a single coil can equal the smoke of dozens of cigarettes, leading to breathing and throat problems and even a severe asthma attack.

What do the experts say?

Dr. Shazli Manzoor (lung and allergy specialist): Burning a coil in a closed room is nothing short of poison, because the toxic substances released accumulate in the room. A coil should be burned only in an open, ventilated space, at least 2 to 4 metres away from you.

Dr. Javed Khan (Aga Khan University Hospital): Burning a coil for one night in an enclosed space means inhaling smoke equal to 60 to 100 cigarettes. Like cigarettes, the real harm comes from the thousands of chemicals that enter the body with the smoke.

What is in the smoke?

Coils commonly contain chemicals such as pyrethrin, allethrin, carbon monoxide and benzene. Dyes and fragrance chemicals are also used.

What does the research say?

According to a study published by the US National Library of Medicine, the PM 2.5 particles released by one coil can equal 75 to 137 cigarettes.

The amount of formaldehyde released by one coil can equal 51 cigarettes or more.

According to information published by the NIH, carbon monoxide, TVOC, sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and fine particles were found in indoor air after burning coils.

Researchers found that coils can pose both short-term and long-term health risks, while offering only limited protection against mosquito bites. They suggested re-evaluating their use in malaria-affected areas.

What is the effect on health?

Carbon monoxide: Reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Even small amounts can cause headache, fatigue and nausea; larger amounts can be fatal.

Sulphur and nitrogen dioxide: Can worsen existing heart, lung and respiratory conditions.

Fine particles and VOCs: Can irritate the nose, throat and respiratory tract, causing cough and breathing difficulty.

Other effects: Eye irritation and watering, runny nose, phlegm in the throat, asthma attacks and a weakened immune system.

Higher risk: Children, the elderly, asthma and allergy patients, people with weak lungs and pregnant women.

What are the safer options?

Do not use any kind of coil or mosquito-killing spray in a closed room.

Use an electric mosquito repellent or a mosquito-repellent lotion.

Install mesh screens on windows and doors.

Sleep under a mosquito net, and especially avoid letting children sleep in the open.

If you must burn a coil, place it under a table or chair in an open, ventilated area so the smoke does not go directly into your breath.

Note: This information is for general awareness. Please consult a doctor if you have breathing problems.

Alternative Titles:

Mosquito Coils Can Turn Deadly: Smoke Equal to 60 to 100 Cigarettes When Burned in a Closed Room

Burn a Coil Before Sleeping? Know the Experts’ Warning, It Is Dangerous for the Lungs

Protection from Mosquitoes or Playing With Your Health? Thousands of Harmful Chemicals Hide in Coil Smoke