"Who doesn't get irritated when they have to deal with the bumps and itching caused by mosquito bites? Mosquitoes don't actually bite, but rather suck human blood. This is because these insects are attracted to heat, sweat, and carbon dioxide.
To avoid this, many people consider using mosquito repellent. Although awareness of the dangers of mosquito repellent is growing, some still rely on mosquito repellent in the form of sprays, burners, and electric devices.
A frequently asked question is, are they safe for your health? Are the ingredients in mosquito repellent dangerous? Read the explanation below from Dr. rer.nat. Budiawan, a chemical toxicologist from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Indonesia.
First, because mosquito repellents are made from synthetic chemicals, such as organophosphate and carbamate compounds, which are classified as pesticides.
Both of these chemicals can inhibit the activity of enzymes acetylcholinesterase (AChE), yaitu enzim yang berkerja pada sistem sawar otak dan dapat memicu transfer sinyal (neurotransmitter) pada saraf manusia.
"So if we feel dizzy or nauseous after smelling mosquito repellent, it's a sign that we've been poisoned," explained Budiawan.
Apart from organophosphate chemicals (dichlorvos/DDVP) and carbamates (among others, propoxur), most mosquito repellents currently on the market contain active chemicals in the group pyrethroid, diantaranya allethrin, bioallethrin and transflutrin.
“Of course, all insecticidal substances are inherently very dangerous. Especially if used disproportionately, they can trigger damage to the nervous system,” explained Budiawan.
Moreover, in some mosquito repellent products available on the market, there is an addition of S2.octachloro dipropyl ether).
S2 makes mosquito repellent more effective in killing all mosquitoes and other insects, such as cockroaches, flies, and ants.
"Just so you know, if you add S2, it will be more dangerous for humans, because if burned, this material can produce BCME (bischloromethyl ether) which can trigger lung cancer," Budiawan concluded.
