Summers have arrived in India. The premature onset of summers brings with it heat waves, spikes in the demand for cooling systems and ice-creams. This is a harbinger of the increased and imminent threats to human health.
To throw some light on the dangers that await us, below are some details from National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) on the havoc mosquitoes caused last years. In fact India has the highest prevalence of the two diseases i.e. dengue and chikungunya.
• 153,635 cases of dengue and the number of deaths were 226.
• 60,232 cases of chikungunya.
Experts forecast a spurt in both dengue and chikungunya cases due to the prevailing climatic conditions. The last winter was mild; the temperatures did not reach the levels that are required to end mosquito breeding and virus transmission. High temperature creates mosquito breeding grounds and increases the transmission window. And there is a prediction that chikungunya cases will be more this year since most of the population has no herd immunity against it.
While the government initiates measures for prevention against mosquitoes like frequent fogging, fumigations, anti-larval operations and regular awareness campaigns.
Are you and I prepared to fight these wrathful creatures and protect us and our loved ones?
We burn mosquito coils, use repellants, gels, ointments, sprays, patches, bands etc. to protect ourselves from mosquitoes.
Is the fear of these deadly diseases driving us to use harmful mosquito repelling products? Are we making a safe trade off by using these poisonous chemicals to keep mosquitoes away?
Most of these products have a component called DEET. Experts say that though it may be effective, we need to exercise caution, especially by people who have some kind of respiratory problems and children.
The smoke released by burning mosquito coils is dangerous. Using them is like passive smoking.
Some people are allergic to these products, and it can have increased aggravate occupancies of asthma or breathing difficulty or headaches due to the strong smell they emit.
Mosquito repellents should not to be used around babies.
Some gels, ointments and bands can cause skin irritation and may be harmful if used frequently. It’s advised to use the sprays on clothes rather than directly on the skin to avoid any accident. Excessive use of sprays can stall memory development in kids.
It’s amazing how technology is touching all areas of our lives to create major improvements to the quality of our life. There are products which offer chemical free and mechanical solutions to reduce the burden of mosquitoes. Their packaging is increasingly creative; the manufacturers are making their products more attractive by making them multipurpose and providing users a convenient value for money health benefit for all full year.
LG India has launched a new series of air conditioners with a unique technology named Mosquito Away Technology that keeps mosquitoes away. Sharp has launched the world’s first air purifier with a mosquito catcher. The technology uses features like UV light, black color to attract mosquitoes, an ideal entrance design, powerful airflow and suction and a strong glue sheet. Symphony air coolers work not only as air coolers, but are equipped with UV mosquito repellant technology and iPure technology to purify the air.
Sharp Business Systems India Limited’s Product Head, Shuvendu Mazumdar says “Sharp uses a combination of blue light to which the mosquitoes are attracted, a powerful suction, a non-toxic glue sheet on to they are trapped. This is 100% chemical free mechanical solution which combines with along with fresh air with award winning Plasmacluster technology air purifier. ”