The aim of the study was to compare toxicity levels of two commonly used mosquito repellents - camphor and commercial mosquito coils on a scientific basis. The Allium cepa assay, one of the most efficient approaches to assess toxic effects of environmental chemicals was chosen for the study. Phytotoxic, cytotoxic and genotoxic parameters were assessed to identify potential risks in using these repellents. Studies showed a reduction in root growth rate with increasing concentrations for both camphor and mosquito coil extracts. Root growth inhibition was very less for camphor when compared with negative control, distilled water. Mitotic index also showed a reduction but the abnormality percentage was on a high with increasing concentration for both extracts. Allium grown in mosquito coil extracts had low mitotic index and high frequency of aberrations compared to camphor and negative control. Major aberrations observed include chromosome stickiness, binucleate cell, chromosome bridges, misorientations, c-metaphases and stellate ana/telophases. Binucleate cells were only confined to mosquito coil extract and positive control (methyl parathion) treated cells. All values were statistically significant at p<0.05%. The results indicated that camphor is safer and effective for protection against mosquitoes than commercial mosquito coils as far as risk on health is concerned.
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