The New Straits Times, September 11, 1995
Q: What side-effect would one expect form inhaling mist of mosquito aerosol spray or smoke from mosquito coil?
A: Mosquito aerosol spray or coil may contain active substances such as pyrethrins and carbamates. However, pyrethrins, which are naturally-occurring insecticides derived from the chrysanthemum plant, are most widely used in household insect spray, mosquito mat and mosquito coil.
Pyrethrins are rapidly metabolised in the body and as a result, the products are usually of low toxicity and harmless to humans. When used properly, acute human poisoning from exposure to these insecticides is rare. However, inhalation may cause upper airway irritation and hypersensitivity reactions characterised by pneumonitis, cough, dyspnea, wheezing, chest pain and bronchospasm in some cases.
For those who have asthma or allergy, they may experience wheezing, sneezing, shortness of breath and bronchospasm after inhaling these compounds.
