Indonesia is a tropical country, making it a prime breeding ground for mosquitoes. The high rate of mosquito reproduction has prompted measures to address this problem, one of which is the use of mosquito repellents—insecticides and various chemicals.
Mosquito coils contain various active ingredients, such as d-allethrin, trans-flufenicol, bioallethrin, dimethoate, pyrifluquinazone, d-phenetrin, cypermethrin, or isoprenepyrine, all of which are pyrethroid compounds. Pyrethroid compounds are organic insecticides that can immobilize insects by poisoning their nervous system. Mosquito coils are available commercially as sprays, coils, emulsions, and electronic repellents.
Overuse of mosquito coils and other insecticides without adequate knowledge can be dangerous. These negative consequences can impact people, the environment, and the mosquitoes themselves. Previous studies by Almahdi et al. (2014) and Rahayuningsih (2006) showed that exposure of pregnant mice to mosquito coils containing trans-fluorometholone resulted in fetal malformations and low birth weight. This suggests that mosquito coils may have negative effects on pregnant women, as women are more sensitive to chemicals during pregnancy.
Mice can be used as laboratory animals in teratogenicity studies aimed at gaining information on fetal malformations caused by exposure to mosquito repellents during organogenesis. Researchers are interested in further studying the teratogenic effects of other mosquito repellents containing the active ingredient permethrin on weight, body length, and morphological abnormalities in mouse (Mus musculus) fetuses. Long-term inhalation of insecticides can lead to toxicity and cause hematological, biochemical, and cytokine abnormalities, as well as mutagenic tissue damage.
The aim of this study was to determine the teratogenic effects of an electric repellent on mouse (Mus musculus) fetuses. The electric repellent used contained 0.566% (4.2 mg/mL) of the active ingredient permethrin, which was inhaled by pregnant mice during the period of organogenesis (days 6-15 of gestation). Thirty pregnant mice were randomly divided into five groups (six replicates in each group): group C (control group, no exposure to electric repellent); group T1 (4 hours of daily exposure to electric repellent); group T2 (6 hours of daily exposure to electric repellent); group T3 (8 hours of daily exposure to electric repellent); and group T4 (10 hours of daily exposure to electric repellent). Fetal weight and body length were measured, and statistical analysis was performed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’s multiple comparisons test. The Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to analyze live birth rates (%), stillbirths (%), and morphological anomalies (%). The results showed no obvious morphological anomalies, but superficial skin bleeding was observed. Significant differences were found in fetal weight and length, live birth rates (%), stillbirths (%), and bleeding (%) (p<0.05). The highest rates of intrauterine mortality and bleeding were observed after 10 hours of daily exposure to electric mosquito coils.
Post time: Jun-04-2026
