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Unveiling the Truth: Vaporisers vs. Mosquitoes - A Double-Edged Conundrum

Writer's picture: The AlmionThe Almion


Have you ever wondered about those mosquito repellent vaporisers that quietly emit their fragrant mist throughout your home, seemingly guarding you against the pesky onslaught of mosquitoes? These inconspicuous devices have become a familiar presence, often running for hours on end, and sometimes even forgotten to be switched off. But have you ever paused to consider what exactly these vaporisers contain and how they work their so called magic?


Let's take a closer look.


Behind the inviting aroma and the promise of mosquito-free zones lies a tale of synthetic compounds and hidden complexities. These vaporisers, often filled with mysterious liquids, are designed to emit a scent that is intended to repel or eliminate mosquitoes. What's interesting and alarming is that these compounds are not naturally occurring. Instead, they are artificially produced insecticides, each with a lengthy and intricate chemical name that's often beyond the domain of pronunciation for most of us. Some of the names of insecticides are mentioned for your reference below with both their IUPAC and common names respectively.


1. Allethrin

 IUPAC Name: (RS)-3-Allyl-2-methyl-4-oxocyclopent-2-enyl (1R,3R)-2,2-dimethyl-3-(2-methylprop-1-enyl) cyclopropanecarboxylate

   Common Name: (RS)-3-Allyl-2-methyl-4-oxocyclopent-2-enyl 2,2-dimethyl-3-(2-methylprop-1-enyl) cyclopropanecarboxylate


2.Transfluthrin

   IUPAC Name: (1R)-1,3,3-Trimethyl-2,3,4,5,6,7-hexahydro-1H-inden-5-yl 2,3,3-trimethyl-2-(2-methylprop-1-enyl) cyclopropanecarboxylate

   Common Name: (1R)-Trans-2,3,5,6-Tetramethyl-4-oxabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl 2,3,3-trimethyl-2-(2-methylprop-1-enyl) cyclopropanecarboxylate


3. Prallethrin

   IUPAC Name: (RS)-2-Methyl-4-oxo-3-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclopent-2-enyl (1R,3R)-2,2-dimethyl-3-(prop-1-en-2-yl) cyclopropanecarboxylate

 Common Name: (RS)-2-Methyl-4-oxo-3-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclopent-2-enyl 2,2-dimethyl-3-(prop-1-en-2-yl)cyclopropanecarboxylate


The process is straightforward: the liquid is heated within the vaporiser, generating a fragrant mist that floats through the air. This mist is meant to carry the insecticidal properties of the liquid, affecting mosquitoes via the scent they pick up.


But here's the twist.


While these vaporisers do keep mosquitoes at bay to some extent, the consequences of their prolonged use are more intricate than we might realize. As the vaporiser runs, minute quantities of the synthetic compounds are released into the air. We inhale this air, eventually leading to absorption of those chemicals into our respiratory systems. Over time, as we continue to use refill packs to keep our vaporisers functional, the exposure accumulates. This accumulation, however, isn't without repercussions. Such accumulations potentially may lead to health risks like allergies, eye irritation, nausea, dizziness etc. 


Studies from around the globe have shed light on the alarming phenomenon of mosquito resistance. Yes, you read that right. Mosquitoes are gradually building an immunity to these lab-manufactured chemicals that were once designed to keep them in check. As a result, the very pests we sought to repel are becoming resilient, even immune, to the effects of these vaporiser substances. So, while we thought we were using repellents to fend off mosquitoes, we're actually part of a vicious cycle that strengthens these insects' tolerance over time. Below is a simple graphic showing how the use of chemical insecticides leads to insecticide resistance over time.


  Image Source: Future Learn 



                                                         Image Source: DDT Resistance


Above is a map of India of 2008 showing resistance of mosquitoes to an insecticide named DDT. Here you will notice that in many places the mosquitoes had become twice, thrice even quadrauple resistant to DDT insecticides. Now we are in the year 2023 where the situation is definitely likely to be even worse.


In essence, we're facing a double-edged puzzle. On one hand, we're exposing ourselves to synthetic compounds that can accumulate and potentially lead to health issues. On the other hand, we're inadvertently aiding in the evolution of stronger, more resilient mosquitoes to the insecticides used in vaporisers. As a result, the very solutions we've come to rely upon are contributing to the persistence of the problem they were intended to solve.


Stay tuned for more blogs in this series as we later explore eco-friendly alternatives that offer effective mosquito control without compromising our health or the environment.




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