After the authorities imposed a ban on mosquito coils, Antigua and Barbuda is supporting a community-driven campaign to distribute affordable mosquito traps to the public.
The Antigua and Barbuda Pesticides Toxic and Chemical Control Board stated that while mosquito coils have proven efficient in repelling mosquitos, they have long generated concerns due to the toxic pollutants they emit.
According to the report, recent study has revealed that the smoke released by these coils contains volatile organic chemicals, some of which are recognized or suspected carcinogens, posing serious health concerns to users.
Carcinogens are substances that can cause cancer, whether they come from the environment or man-made sources such as cigarette smoke or vehicle emissions. During a stakeholder conference, Dr Linroy Christian, chairman of the Pesticides Toxic and Chemical Control Board, made the decision to ban mosquito coils.
As part of its commitment to preparing communities for the challenges of climate change, the Department of the Environment (DOE) announced a community-driven program to deliver affordable mosquito traps to the public.
According to the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and the Environment, these ingenious traps, made available through partnering community groups, will not only help lower mosquito populations, but the proceeds from the sale will also contribute to improving climate resilience within local communities.
It stated that in order to develop a more climate-resilient Antigua and Barbuda, the DOE has collaborated with partnering community groups to make low-cost mosquito traps available to all.
“These traps are an important tool in mosquito control and play an important role in mitigating the risks associated with mosquito-borne diseases, especially in light of changing climate conditions.”
“To support this initiative, we also calling on the general public, including businesses, to purchase mosquito traps from participating community groups and distribute them among their employees.”
