The Bombay Technologist

MosQyito Repellent Textiles

Ankur Shrivastava

Sushant Kumar

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Abstract

In the present scenario, textiles are no longer perceived as an aesthetic commodity but much more is expected out of it. Hence, efforts of technologists have led to the emergence of textiles with some functional finishes applied on It to perform specific functions. The need for such fabrics performing specific functions is ever increasing and novel developments are coming up at rapid pace. Fabrics such as water repellent fabrics, flame - retardant fabrics, anti-bacterial fabrics etc have already been developed. A new and more complicated challenge of developing a mosquito repellent fabric which should affect neither environment nor the user faces the technologists now. Since, the mosquitoes are causing many dreadful diseases in the world such as malaria, filarial, dengue etc., it becomes imperative to develop such fabrics. Although some chemicals are available, they have been banned by WHO since they seem to have some side - effects on humans and also harmful for the environment. In this paper, we have discussed all the types of mosquito repellents that are available like DEET, PERMETHRIN, ALLETHRIN, and MALATHION; the way they can be used with their properties and the precautions that we have to take for their use.