ST. JOHN’S, Antigua, CMC – Antigua and Barbuda is promoting a community-driven initiative to provide affordable mosquito traps to the public after the authorities announced the ban on mosquito coils.
The Pesticides Toxic and Chemical Control Board in Antigua and Barbuda said. At the same time, mosquito coils have proven effective in repelling mosquitoes. They have long raised concerns due to the harmful pollutants they release.
Recent research has shown that the smoke emitted by these coils contains:
- Volatile organic compounds.
- Some known or suspected carcinogens.
- Posing severe health risks to users.
Carcinogens can cause cancer from the environment or human-made sources like cigarette smoke or vehicle emissions. The Pesticides Toxic and Chemical Control Board chairperson, Dr. Linroy Christian, decided to ban mosquito coils during a stakeholder conference.
The Department of the Environment (DOE) said it is delighted to announce a community-driven initiative to provide affordable mosquito traps to the public as part of its commitment to preparing communities for the challenges of climate change.
These innovative traps, made available through participating community groups, will not only help reduce mosquito populations but also the proceeds of the sale will contribute to building climate resilience within local communities, said the Ministry of Health Wellness and the Environment.
To create a more climate-resilient Antigua and Barbuda, the DOE has teamed up with participating community groups to make cost-effective mosquito traps accessible to everyone.
“These traps are an essential tool in mosquito control and play a significant role in mitigating the risks associated with mosquito-borne diseases, particularly in the face of changing climate conditions.
“To support this initiative, we are calling on the general public, including businesses, to purchase mosquito traps from participating community groups and distribute them among their employees.”
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