A powerful mosquito repellent coating to combat dengue fever. This is the latest proposal from the multinational AkzoNobel, which has just launched a new coating that will help the Brazilian population to have a new ally in its fight against the invasive carrier of dengue fever, developed by the Coral brand.
The colorless matte varnish, known as Bienestar Anti-Mosquito Protection, contains an active ingredient called permethrin. Its repellent action is specifically designed to combat the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which was largely responsible for a 165% increase in dengue cases in Brazil during the first months of 2022. In addition to spreading dengue, Aedes aegypti can also transmit the zika and chikungunya viruses.
When a mosquito lands on the new transparent top layer, the permethrin is absorbed through its legs and overexcites the insect’s nervous system, causing it to let go or fall off. Permethrin is a well-known repellent and is commonly used in mosquito netting fabrics and protective clothing.
The effectiveness of Bienestar Anti-Mosquito Protection was tested in an independent external laboratory, certified by the Brazilian Network of Analytical Laboratories in Health. All tests were conducted on painted walls and ceilings in a full-size house environment and successfully demonstrated that mosquitoes were repelled from the room after contact, with the active ingredient retained in the varnish matrix.
Dengue is a viral infection transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes. According to the World Health Organization, the global incidence of dengue has grown dramatically, with about half of the world’s population at risk.
According to Daniel Campos, AkzoNobel’s Director of Decorative Paints in Latin America: “This new coating, the first of its kind in the region, is a clear matte varnish that can be applied on any painted wall. It shows how our pioneering approach to product development can help to make a genuine and lasting difference, including to people’s health and well-being.
Currently only available in Brazil, there are plans to make the new product available in other countries and regions.
