The demand for mosquito repellents in Tuticorin has increased due to rainfall and resulting stagnation of water. Officials are warning the public not to use mosquito repellents that contain chemicals higher than permitted levels.
The presence of such substances in mosquito repellents may have toxic effects on the health of consumers.
Taking advantage of the monsoon season, several fake mosquito repellents containing excessive amounts of chemicals have appeared in the market, officials said.
“Insect repellents are now available in the form of rolls, liquids and flash cards. Therefore, consumers should be more careful while purchasing repellents,” S Mathiazhagan, assistant director (quality control), Ministry of Agriculture, told The Hindu on Wednesday. .
Allowed levels of chemicals in mosquito repellents are as follows: transfluthrin (0.88%, 1% and 1.2%), allethrin (0.04% and 0.05%), dex-trans-allethrin (0.25%) , allethrin (0.07%) and cypermethrin (0.2%).
Mr. Mathiazhagan said if the chemicals are found to be below or above these levels, punitive action will be taken under the Insecticides Act, 1968 against those distributing and selling defective mosquito repellents.
Distributors and sellers must also be licensed to sell mosquito repellents.
The Assistant Director of Agriculture is the authority that issues the license and the license can be obtained by paying Rs 300.
Agriculture department officials, including Deputy Commissioners M. Kanagaraj, S. Karuppasamy and Mr. Mathiazhagan, conducted surprise checks at shops in Tuticorin and Kovilpatti to check the quality of mosquito repellents.
Post time: Oct-10-2023