As a country beset by rains for 8-10 months a year, lending itself to mosquito infestation, katol has become a common household item. With new parents wanting to protect their babies from mosquito bites, especially with the prevalence of dengue in the country, the question of katol use keeps cropping up.
What is katol?
Katol in English: Katol, or mosquito coil in English, is an insect-repelling incense that is spiral shaped. It is inexpensive and easy to use, with one coil lasting about 8 hours. It used to be available only in green. Which produces a generally unpleasant smell, but technology has given rise to brands offering different colors and scents.
Katol side effects on babies | Image from Dreamstime
Katol mosquito killer: Is katol safe to use?
The FDA has released a list of mosquito coil brands that are safe for home use. Those that did not pass muster are considered dangerous. However, people often miss the fact that katol was designed to be used in well-ventilated areas. If this condition is not available and katol is used (say, indoors in a closed room), there is a greater risk for coil emissions to pose significant acute and chronic health risks.
The US National Institute of Health has determined that burning just one coil can equal burning of between 50-130 cigarettes in terms of fine particles, deemed carcinogenic, in its smoke. Just imagine how much toxins one could possibly inhale in the course of an 8-hour sleep. Wherein users even prop the katol beside their beds.
Katol side effects on babies | Image from Freepik
Katol mosquito killer: Is katol safe for babies?
Despite there being FDA-approved brands sold in the country, there is that fact that a baby’s respiratory system is still adjusting to this new environment. And is considered fragile as it is still developing. Exposing them to chemicals and pollution should be avoided as much as possible.
Katol side effects on babies
If exposed to mosquito coil fumes or plug-in repellents, possible side effects include breathing problems, eye irritations and allergic reactions.
Does katol present other hazards?
Katol for mosquito: Burning mosquito coils endangers young kids and pets that may accidentally ingest it. Katol also poses a very serious fire hazard as most people tend to forget it and burning embers might start a blaze.
What are safer insect repellents?
Since insect-repelling creams, lotions or sprays are best used on babies six months or older, as they may irritate the skin, it is better to just burn oils or candles infused with citronella, neem, eucalyptus and peppermint. Some may also choose to put a few drops of essential oil from these plants on fabrics that the baby will not be in direct contact with, say, a handkerchief tucked under the baby’s bedding.
Katol side effects on babies | Image from Freepik
Neem leaves or lemongrass may also be burned in pots indoors. Filipinos have also been known to burn pomelo rinds (which contain limonene, a substance toxic to mosquitoes) outside their homes. Others dry the peel and then cut it up in smaller pieces to be scattered around the house, not just to chase away these pesky insects but also to deodorize. Some also extract oil from the rinds to be used for aromatic burners or insect-repelling candles.
How else to avoid mosquitoes?
- One can employ the use of a mosquito net, screens or mesh.
- Make sure surroundings are clean and trash is disposed properly. And there is no stagnant water pooling in pots, planters or other areas near or inside your home.
- Dressing babies in light-colored clothes may also help since mosquitoes are attracted to dark clothing.
- Make sure babies are fully clothed (long sleeved tops and pajamas) to minimize skin exposed.
- Stay away from hedges and bushes when outdoors. Also, avoid being outdoors in the late afternoon, as dusk is the time mosquitoes are most active.
- Feel free to also utilize strategically-placed insect-repelling plants near your door or windows.
Where babies are concerned, katol use is highly-discouraged in homes and should only be utilized for short periods of time outdoors. Despite there being FDA-approved brands, it is always wiser to err on the side of caution and champion healthy habits instead.
Other organic insect repellants
Mosquitoes typically attack people because of a mix of fragrance, light, heat, and humidity. You’re undoubtedly sick of having itchy, rough skin if you attract mosquitoes.
Different mosquito species, including those that transmit malaria, prefer bacteria and perspiration. Some hand scents and carbon dioxide attract other people.
According to Web MD‘s article entitled, “Mosquito Repellents: What Works,” Citronella, geranium, peppermint, and soybean oil are a few examples of “natural” insect-repellent substances. Although these have not been approved for effectiveness, they are considered safe. Most of these only work temporarily to repel insects. In addition, it is important to note that some organic repellents may irritate the skin.
Wristbands covered in chemical repellents and ultrasonic gadgets that emit sound waves intended to deter insects are other items that have not been shown to be useful against mosquitoes.
If there is no danger of contracting a serious illness transmitted by insects, natural and other alternative repellents may be beneficial.
You may also ask your pediatrician about what mosquito repellent is good for your baby.
READ: LIST: Mosquito repellant na safe para sa baby at bata
Here at theAsianparent Philippines, it’s important for us to give information that is correct, significant, and timely. But this doesn’t serve as an alternative for medical advise or medical treatment. TheAsianparent Philippines is not responsible to those that would choose to drink medicines based on information from our website. If you have any doubts, we recommend to consult your doctor for clearer information.
