Illegal mosquito repellent agarbattis used widely across Indian households may be posing severe respiratory health risks, according to a study commissioned by the Home Insect Control Association (HICA) and conducted by Kantar.
Released ahead of National Dengue Day, the survey covered 1,264 households and 405 doctors across 12 cities.
The report found that 70% of doctors classify illegal mosquito agarbattis containing unapproved chemicals as a “major respiratory hazard”, while 67% compared their health risks to cigarette smoke exposure.
India’s mosquito agarbatti market is estimated at ₹2,000 crore, with nearly 85% dominated by illegal or unregulated products lacking mandatory CIR registration and ingredient disclosures.
The study also found that 59% of households use such products, with many relying on them daily for years.
Jayant Deshpande, Secretary & Director of HICA, said, “A huge share of mosquito agarbattis sold at local stores and chemist outlets is untested, illegal, and lacks the mandatory CIR registration number. Consumers should look for products that clearly display the CIR registration number and avoid those with vague claims or missing regulatory disclosures.”
The findings underline the need for stronger regulation and increased consumer awareness around safe mosquito repellent products.
