Characterization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in emissions of different mosquito coils

Emission rates and emission factors of particulate matter and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in the emissions of three prevalent mosquito coil brands available in the market in India, under controlled conditions in an environmental chamber. The emission rates varied between the brands and ranged between 2.0 ± 1.9 to 27.1 ± 1.5 μg h(-1) for brand A, 3.4 ± 1.1 to 32.3 ± 1.2 μg h(-1) for brand B and 3.1 ± 1.0 to 72.2 ± 1.1 μg h(-1) for brand C for different compounds. Five and six ring PAHs were not detected, however four and three ring PAHs dominated. Three ring PAHs contributed 24 %, 42 % and 29 %, while four ring compounds contributed 53 %, 35 % and 61 % to total PAHs in the three brands. Carcinogenic PAH compounds were also present in the emissions, indicating the potential risks associated with the inhalation of coil smoke.