Fire Safe Mosquito Coil Holder

This device is an enclosure for a mosquito coil. The device allows oxygen in and smoke out, but inhibits sparks or hot ash from escaping the enclosure. The lid is secured in place to prevent it from falling off if the device is knocked off a table. This device should be made of PLA. PLA tends to self-extinguish in the unlikely event that the coil develops a flame (check out these electrical boxes made of PLA: http://www.schneider-electric.com.hk/documents/local-documents/automation/45@tbllocalcat_filenames_HimelCatalogue_CI35HKSE.pdf). The mosquito coil is placed on a small metal pin or nail, inserted into the centre of the device. If possible, foil or a metal washer should be used on the centre post to prevent melting of the polymer when the coil burns to its end.

Mosquito coils are a simple, inexpensive, and effective method for repelling mosquitoes. These coils are used throughout the world to help prevent mosquito bites. These insects represent vectors for a variety of diseases, the most prevalent being malaria.

A major concern with mosquito coils is that they are capable of igniting flammable materials (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-07-03/an-pacific-mosquito-coils/4797952). This is especially a concern in cases where the coils are positioned near curtains or mosquito nets, which can be flammable. This enclosure prevents accidental ignition.

The coil is made by blending a chemical that repels mosquitos with an organic binder. This mixture is formed in the shape of a coil and then set alight. The coil slowly burns, emitting smoke that repels mosquitos. The smoke from the coil has been associated with a variety of health issues. However, new generation coils using charcoal as the propellant in place of organic matter may alleviate some of these issues by vastly reducing the amount of particulate matter, which does not help to repel mosquitos, emitted by the device. Charcoal also produces less formaldehyde [1]. This new generation of coil may make them even more appealing in preventing the transmission of Malaria by mosquitos, and this enclosure will make them even safer to use indoors.

[1] Zhang L, Jiang Z, Tong J, Wang Z, Han Z, Zhang J. Using charcoal as base material reduces mosquito coil emissions of toxins. Indoor Air. 2010;20:176–184.