INSECT CONTROL
MR-08 INSECT REPELLENT PROGRAM
Overview
Malaria, a debilitating, often fatal disease transmitted by the female Anopheles mosquito, continues to be one of the world’s most infectious killers well into the 21st century. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers fighting malaria among its highest priorities alongside the AIDS pandemic and tuberculosis. 2001 to 2010 is the United Nations Decade to Roll Back Malaria.
WHO estimates that 40 percent of the world’s population, especially in the world’s poorest countries in sub-tropical and tropical regions, is threatened by malaria. Two million die from it, most of them children under the age of five.
Other mosquito-borne diseases plaguing the world today are dengue fever, which infects 50 million every year, and causes deaths among five percent of victims; and yellow fever, which infects 200,000 people and kills more than 30,000 worldwide. The West Nile virus, carried by the mosquito species Culex pipiens, causes high fevers, neurological problems and even death. This virus killed 284 people in the United States in 2002.
Unlike the vaccine against yellow fever, potent vaccines against malaria, dengue fever, and the West Nile virus have yet to be discovered.
The malaria parasite has proven to be insidious, managing to mutate and resist drugs and insecticides created to fight it. Scientists engaged in discovering a cure for malaria admit that it may be impossible to create a vaccine that provides total protection. But they hold out hope that at least a vaccine that can accelerate the ability of humans to develop immunity against the fast-changing parasite can be realized. “If you can reduce blood parasite levels by 20 percent, that will translate into reductions in mortality and improved health,” Ross Coppel, a malariologist and vaccine researcher with Monash University in Melbourne told New Scientist magazine (“Endgame”, New Scientist, 5 July 2003 issue).
Until then, prevention – whether through improved sanitation and hygiene practices, the control of breeding grounds for vector mosquitoes, the use of insecticide-treated nets, or the application of mosquito repellents – remain the best option for combating transmission of these mosquito-borne diseases.
Poseidon’s MR-08
Recent studies conducted by leading medical entomologists show that the chemical DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) found in varying concentrations in most mosquito repellents on the market today is still the most effective in driving away mosquitoes, and the concerns over its safety have diminished. However, repellents containing DEET tend to be sticky, have an unpleasant smell, burns when it gets into eyes and on lips, and tend to melt plastic objects and synthetic fabrics that it comes into contact with. Repellents based on plant extracts such as Citronella, perform poorly in keeping away mosquitoes and bugs.
In collaboration with research institutions worldwide, Poseidon have been conducting research of developing improved materials from natural sources to prevent mosquitoes from biting.
Initial laboratory screening of Poseidon’s chemical compound, MR-08, have revealed that the active ingredient performed better than most products containing DEET, IR3535 or Citronella. The protection time (the time from application of the repellent to the time until the first bite) of Poseidon’s product when incorporated in a cosmetic lotion base at 5% (w/w), was approximately 300 minutes, similar to the performance of SC Johnson’s OFF! Deep Woods® repellent, which contains 23.8 percent DEET.
Recent studies also demonstrated that Poseidon’s repellent technology could be useful to other nuisance insect species, such as ants. When a surface is coated with MR-08, Poseidon also has demonstrated that a single application of MR-08 is effective in preventing infestation by red ants (Pharaoh ants, Monomonium pharaonis).
To learn more about MR-08 and its applications against termites, mosquitoes, houseflies, and other pests, please click the photo.
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