Affordable price, convenient, easy to order… are the outstanding advantages of mosquito repellent machines today. However, consumers should also be careful in choosing this hot product line.
Market "matrix"
Currently, the Vietnamese market has many types of mosquito repellents using different technologies. Each type has its own operating mechanism and customer base. According to expert Nguyen Minh Hai, Vietnam Institute of Insect Research, mosquito repellents are mainly divided into three main types of technology: ultrasonic waves, essential oil vaporization, and chemical pellets or electric solutions.
Among them, ultrasonic mosquito repellers are advertised as being absolutely safe because they do not use any chemicals. The operating principle of the machine is to emit sound waves at high frequencies (usually from 20-65kHz), which are beyond the range of human hearing but irritate the nervous system of mosquitoes, forcing them to stay away. The design of this type of machine is often compact, consumes low power and can operate continuously by simply plugging it into an electrical outlet.
Mosquito repellents using natural essential oils are considered the most popular choice thanks to the combination of mosquito repellent effectiveness and health and environmental friendliness. This product line works by heating and diffusing essential oils such as lemongrass, peppermint, eucalyptus, and cinnamon into the air.
Doctor of Oriental Medicine Nguyen Ngoc Lu - Chairman of Quang Ngai Acupuncture Association said: "Essential oils have been used in folk medicine for a long time, in addition to the effects of purifying the air and fighting bacteria, they also have a certain effect in repelling mosquitoes and insects. Essential oils can be diffused by heating manually or using a vaporizer."
In the Vietnamese market, notable products include Japanese Vape essential oil mosquito repellent (about 200,000 - 300,000 VND/set), Hacker essential oil mosquito repellent (about 150,000 - 250,000 VND/set), Raid essential oil mosquito repellent (about 120,000 - 180,000 VND/set). Ms. Tran Thanh Huyen ( Hanoi ) said: "My family has been using Japanese essential oil machines for more than two years now, very satisfied because they are both fragrant and have fewer mosquitoes. Especially, since there are small children in the house, we can rest assured when using them."
Electric chemical mosquito repellents (liquid or tablet form) are very popular because of their convenience and high efficiency in preventing mosquitoes. In Vietnam, customers are familiar with this product line from brands such as Raid Electric Liquid (about 120,000 - 180,000 VND/set), Jumbo Vape Mat (about 85,000 - 120,000 VND/set) and Mosfly Electric Liquid (about 100,000 - 150,000 VND/set).
In addition, the market also has many imported products from Japan of brands such as Vape, Fumakilla, Kincho with prices ranging from 200,000 to under 500,000 VND depending on the amount of chemicals included. Some products can use batteries instead of plugging in, convenient to bring when camping.
In addition to mosquito repellent machines, the market also has other product lines that operate on the principle of attracting and killing mosquitoes such as mosquito traps using UV rays combined with electric grids, mosquito traps using exhaust fans or CO₂ generators. These devices are capable of killing mosquitoes effectively, more suitable for large spaces, gardens or families who want to kill mosquitoes completely. However, these products are only effective when they have high capacity, resulting in much higher prices.
Controversy over effectiveness and safety
In fact, the price factor often has a big influence on consumers' decisions when choosing mosquito repellent products. Cheap products, especially ultrasonic mosquito repellents and some types of chemical machines of unknown origin, always have a certain appeal. However, behind the attractive price are controversies about effectiveness and safety for users' health.
Typically, mosquito repellers using ultrasonic technology have not proven to be effective. Many international studies have shown that mosquitoes can quickly adapt to ultrasonic waves, limiting the effectiveness of the device. Mr. Nguyen Hoang Nam (HCMC) shared: "I used to use this type of device in the bedroom, but after a short time, mosquitoes still appeared and the device was almost ineffective."
Expert Nguyen Minh Hai recommends that if choosing an ultrasonic wave machine, users should only use it as a supplementary solution and should not expect the ability to completely prevent mosquitoes.
Meanwhile, mosquito repellents using natural essential oils, although environmentally friendly, bring a pleasant feeling to the living space. However, natural essential oils also have limited effectiveness against some specific species of mosquitoes. Ms. Thu Huyen (Hanoi) shared: "During the rainy season, there are more mosquitoes, I have to increase the frequency of use. In addition to the essential oil diffuser, I also have to mix essential oils into the floor cleaning water to increase mosquito repellent."
The risk from this product line lies in its ingredients. Expert Nguyen Minh Hai warns that many cheap "essential oils" are actually synthetic chemicals that create scents, not natural essential oils. Using floating products of unknown origin can cause allergies, headaches, dizziness and respiratory problems, especially dangerous for people with sensitive skin.
More dangerously, chemical machines of unknown origin may contain untested active ingredients at unsafe concentrations, causing negative effects on health when used for long periods of time, especially in closed spaces.
Commenting on the line of electric chemical mosquito repellents (liquid or tablet form), expert Nguyen Minh Hai warned that users need to pay close attention to the chemical composition. Most of them contain active ingredients in the Pyrethroid group such as Prallethrin, Allethrin, Metofluthrin. Although safe at low doses, if used incorrectly or for a long time, it can cause health effects such as headaches, dizziness, or skin irritation.
Mr. Pham Van Tu ( Da Nang ) shared: "I find this machine the most effective of all the ones I have used, the mosquitoes disappear immediately after turning on the machine for about 15-20 minutes. However, my family must pay attention to ventilate the room regularly to avoid the accumulation of chemical odors."
To use this product line safely, MSc. Dr. Vo Le Vi Vi (Children's Hospital 1) advises: "Pyrethroid chemicals have a high effect of killing or repelling insects, especially Metofluthrin which can repel mosquitoes up to 97% at extremely low doses. Basically, mosquito repellent machines using this chemical are pre-set to diffuse at a safe dose. To avoid unwanted effects such as skin irritation, dizziness, users should not arbitrarily modify the machine, use it according to the recommendations on the product. For liquid chemicals, they need to be stored carefully, out of reach of children".
In addition, users should also note that the chemical core only responds for a certain period of time (usually monthly) and needs to be replaced periodically according to the instructions.
It can be seen that choosing a mosquito repellent should not be based solely on advertising or price, but should carefully consider the needs and safety of the family. No technology is absolutely perfect; instead, the most suitable product is the one that meets the specific conditions of each family.
Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/sot-may-duoi-muoi-tich-hop-cong-nghe-mua-mua-post1556963.html
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