Illegal mosquito repellent agarbattis used in Indian households may be posing a greater immediate health threat than mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria, according to a new public health study released ahead of National Dengue Day on May 16. The study, commissioned by the Home Insect Control Association (HICA) and conducted by market research firm Kantar, found that 70 per cent of doctors surveyed classified illegal mosquito agarbattis containing unapproved chemicals as a “major respiratory hazard”. The survey, conducted across 12 cities among 1,264 households and 405 doctors, revealed that while 95 per cent of households reported no dengue or malaria cases in the past year, a large number continued using unregulated mosquito repellents daily. Doctors compared the health risks of smoke from these products to cigarette smoke, with 67 per cent flagging serious respiratory concerns.
The report stated that India’s mosquito agarbatti market is valued at nearly ₹2,000 crore, with around 85 per cent controlled by illegal or unregulated products lacking mandatory Central Insecticides Registration (CIR) approval. Popular brands named in the report include Comfort, Sleepwell, Relax, Hunting Tiger and Dengue Killer. HICA Secretary and Director Jayant Deshpande urged consumers to check for CIR registration numbers before purchasing mosquito repellents. “Consumers should avoid products with vague claims or missing regulatory disclosures,” he said.
Dr. Sanjith Saseedharan of S.L. Raheja Hospital warned that continuous exposure to smoke from such products could worsen respiratory illnesses, especially among children, elderly people and asthma patients. In Guwahati, mosquito agarbattis are widely sold in local shops, pharmacies and roadside stalls, particularly during the monsoon season when dengue fears rise. Traders say low-cost and unbranded products remain popular among consumers due to affordability, despite growing concerns over safety and lack of regulatory approvals.