Brazil

Reporting on the latest developments from the Brazilian industry

Brazil

AkzoNobel launches mosquito-repellent coating in Brazil to help combat disease

AkzoNobel’s Coral brand in Brazil has launched a new product designed to combat the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which spreads dengue fever.

People in Brazil have a new ally in the fight against an invasive carrier of dengue fever – a powerful mosquitorepellent coating developed by AkzoNobel’s Coral brand.

Known as Well-being Protection AntiMosquito, the colourless matt varnish contains an active ingredient called permethrin. Its repellent action is specifically designed to combat the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which was largely responsible for dengue cases in Brazil surging 165% during the first few months of 2022 – according to figures from the Brazilian Ministry of Health. As well as spreading dengue, Aedes aegypti can also transmit the zika and chikungunya virus.

When a mosquito lands on the new transparent topcoat, the permethrin is absorbed through its feet and over-excites the insect’s nervous system, causing it to disengage or fall off. Permethrin is a well-known repellent and is commonly used in fabrics for mosquito nets and protective clothing.

“Concerns about health and safety at home have greatly increased in recent years,” explained 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 matt varnish which can be applied over any painted wall. “It’s a great example of ‘People. Planet. Paint.’ in action and shows how our pioneering approach to product development can help make a genuine and lasting difference, including to people’s health and well-being.”

Concerns about health and safety at home have greatly increased in recent years “ “

Public health is a major issue in countries across the world. In Brazil, dengue is a particular problem. We “ want to help people look after their families by offering a breakthrough product which has been proven to “ give continuous protection against the Aedes aegypti mosquito, 24 hours a day, for up to two years

Breakthrough product

Mr Campos continued: “Public health is a major issue in countries across the world. In Brazil, dengue is a particular problem. We want to help people look after their families by offering a breakthrough product which has been proven to give continuous protection against the Aedes aegypti mosquito, 24 hours a day, for up to two years.”

The effectiveness of Well-being Protection Anti-Mosquito was tested in an independent external laboratory, certified by the Brazilian Network of Analytical Laboratories in Health. All the tests took place on painted walls and ceilings in a life-size house environment and successfully proved that mosquitoes were repelled from the room after contact, with the active ingredient being 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 around half the world’s population at risk.

Up until May 14th this year, there were 855,910 reports of probable infection of dengue in Brazil, with an incidence of 401.2 per 100,000 inhabitants. The extent of the public health problem is underlined by the fact that dengue, zika and chikungunya don’t have a specific treatment. So prevention is regarded as the best strategy.

AkzoNobel Brazil

Currently only available in Brazil, there are plans to make the new product available in other countries and regions.

AkzoNobel is active in more than 150 countries and has set its sights on becoming the global industry leader. Brazil is a key market in South America, a region responsible for 9% of the company’s revenue globally, where the company operates with a portfolio of leading brands such as Coral, Sparlack, Alabastine, Wanda, Sikkens, International and Interpon. In 2019, Coral became the official national paint of CASACOR, the largest and most complete exhibition of architecture, interior design and landscaping in the Americas.

Throughout the country, AkzoNobel has six units located in strategic locations, where it produces and distributes essential products to make people’s lives more pleasant and inspiring. n