Estimation of the magnitude of plastic and chemical pollution related to the abandonment of insecticide treated nets in the environment: From a KAP survey conducted in Benin in July 2023

Abstract

Background

Malaria remains a significant public health threat, particularly in vulnerable populations. Insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) have been a cornerstone of malaria prevention efforts for decades. ITNs have demonstrably reduced malaria morbidity and mortality. However, their widespread use has raised concerns about a potential unintended consequence: environmental pollution.

Methods

To assess the potential environmental impact of ITNs in a real-world setting, a Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) survey was conducted in Djougou, a high malaria burden in Northen Benin. The survey employed a two-stage stratified random sampling approach.

Results

There is an average of 2.4 people per ITN. Half of the ITNs are less than 2 months old, indicating a recent distribution campaign. The reported ITNs used the night before the survey was 73 %. Over half of the households (52 %) reported losing at least one ITN in the past year, with an average of 2.53 nets lost per household. The most common ITN brand contains alpha-cypermethrin and chlorfenapyr insecticides. We can estimate that Djougou releases approximately 133 kg of insecticides and 57.6 tons of plastic waste annually from discarded ITNs. Extrapolations to Benin and to Sub-Saharan Africa suggest a large potential environmental impacts.

Conclusion

The study highlights a potential environmental challenge associated with large-scale ITN use – plastic and insecticide waste from discarded nets. Further research is needed to quantify the environmental impact of abandoned nets. ITNs distribution programs should be complemented by collection and potential recycling initiatives. A circular economy approach could transform waste into a resource for fuel generation.