Paediatricians are urging parents to rethink the regular use of mosquito coils in homes with children, citing concerns over indoor air quality.
According to medical experts, the smoke released when coils burn contains fine particles and chemical compounds. When inhaled over long periods, these pollutants can irritate a child’s airways and worsen existing respiratory conditions.
The warning comes as many households rely on coils as an affordable way to keep mosquitoes away, especially at night. While effective against insects, doctors say the trade-off could be increased coughing, wheezing, and flare-ups of asthma or bronchitis in young children whose lungs are still developing.
Specialists recommend switching to safer alternatives where possible. These include insecticide-treated bed nets, window and door screens, mosquito repellent lotions, and electric vaporizers with child-safe formulations. Keeping surroundings free of stagnant water also helps cut down mosquito breeding.
Health professionals stress that protecting children from both mosquito-borne illnesses and indoor air pollution is key. They advise parents to use coils sparingly, ensure good ventilation if they must be used, and consult a doctor if a child develops persistent breathing issues.
Doctors Warn: Mosquito Coils May Pose Breathing Risks for Children
