Those who thought to protect themselves against mosquitoes with the help of mosquito patches or mosquito bracelets should think again, according to the Chemicals Inspectorate.
The products are not legal in Sweden.
– Mosquito repellents are chemical pesticides with substances that can pose a risk to human health and the environment, says Jenny Karlsson at the Chemicals Inspectorate.
New statistics from the Chemicals Inspectorate show that Sweden bought more mosquito repellent than ever before last year. Close to 20 tons of approved mosquito repellents.
All mosquito repellents sold in Sweden must be approved by the Chemicals Agency. Even so, several popular products lack the right permission. Mosquito patches and mosquito bracelets are examples of such.
– Mosquito repellents are chemical pesticides with substances that can pose a risk to human health and the environment, and therefore they must have been tested by us before they are sold, says Jenny Karlsson, inspector at the Chemicals Inspectorate in a press release.
Don’t know the law
It may pose a health risk to use mosquito repellents that have not been approved by the inspection. In an interview with P4 Värmland says Jenny Karlsson that the user risks an allergic reaction.
Karlsson believes that many of the companies that sell the products in question simply do not know what is in the law book.
– It is possible that some of these products would be approved if the companies applied for it. A possible explanation for the fact that the companies have not applied for permission is because they do not know the law, she says in the press release.
The Chemicals Inspectorate also raises a warning finger to products that are purchased on certain parts of the internet – and at the same time reminds to buy products that are labeled in Swedish.
– It is also important to pay attention when shopping online. Just like with other product groups, we find more problems with marketplaces and dropshipping stores than regular online stores.