The Effects of Inhaling Moth Balls
- Headahce. After being exposed to naphthalene, be alert for the sudden onset of a headache. This can indicate poisoning...
- Nausea and Vomiting. An upset stomach and vomiting can both be symptoms of moth ball inhalation. If the nausea does not...
- Burning Eyes. When handling moth balls, your eyes may start to burn and itch from their...
What are side effects of moth balls?
The Effects of Inhaling Moth Balls
- Headahce. After being exposed to naphthalene, be alert for the sudden onset of a headache. ...
- Nausea and Vomiting. An upset stomach and vomiting can both be symptoms of moth ball inhalation. ...
- Burning Eyes. When handling moth balls, your eyes may start to burn and itch from their chemical fumes. ...
- Breathing Trouble. ...
- Diarrhea. ...
- Anemia. ...
- Confusion. ...
- Convulsions. ...
- Coma. ...
Are moth balls toxic to humans?
Mothballs are a pesticide and their ingredients can be harmful to humans and pets. If mothballs are ingested or inhaled, there is a danger of serious illness. Some effects are obvious at once, while others can take longer to develop. Is This an Emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Are mothballs dangerous to humans?
Mothballs can be especially dangerous if accidentily eaten. In short, mothballs should not be used by homeowners. Acute exposure of humans to naphthalene by inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact is associated with hemolytic anemia, damage to the liver, and, in infants, neurological damage.
Is it safe to have mothballs in the House?
The use of mothballs in the safe, confined space of your home can present many potential health risks and problems, especially with improper use of this chemical pesticide. It has been an important question posed in regard to mothballs, ‘can mothballs make you sick?’ and the answer to this question is yes, potentially.
What happens if you accidentally eat mothballs?
People have developed headaches, nausea, dizziness, and/or vomiting after being exposed to naphthalene vapors. If someone breathes in enough of the vapor or eats a mothball containing naphthalene, they might develop hemolytic anemia.
Can you get sick from eating mothballs?
Mothballs can also be dangerous if they are chewed or eaten. Children, pets and wildlife may mistake them for food or candy and eat them. One mothball can cause serious harm if eaten by a small child. If someone has swallowed a mothball, call the Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222 for emergency medical advice.
What happens if you put a mothball in your mouth?
When put in the mouth, a child usually experiences an immediate pungent taste and spits it out because it is unpleasant. If swallowed, it can cause upset stomach and possibly vomiting. The gas released from the mothball can be irritating to the eyes and nose, leading to watery eyes, runny nose and cough.
How much mothballs is toxic?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States has established a permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 10 ppm for naphthalene. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) established an immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) value of 250 ppm for naphthalene.
How long does naphthalene poisoning last?
After ingestion of mothballs containing naphthalene, symptoms of haemolytic anaemia are presented and treated normally through the use of methylene blue and regular blood transfusions, and patients are usually released after 6-10 days depending on their haemoglobin levels.
Why don't we use mothballs anymore?
Using mothballs in gardens also causes significant environmental problems. They usually contain either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. Both of these chemicals are highly toxic and can get into the soil and groundwater. These mothball hazards may even harm the plants you are trying to protect.
Why do I taste mothballs?
Takeaway. Mothball breath is caused by conditions that produce too much mucus in the mouth. Treating the underlying condition will eliminate the smell of mothball breath. Maintaining good oral hygiene habits is also necessary for keeping mothball breath — and all types of bad breath — at bay.
Can the smell of mothballs make you sick?
Moth balls contain a toxic chemical, either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. Both become a gas when exposed to air and cause that pungent moth ball smell. These gases are irritating to the eyes and lungs and may cause headache, dizziness and nausea.
Are moth balls illegal?
Other common pesticide products that have illegal versions include flea and tick repellents for pets, antibacterial cleansers, mothballs, and other products that claim to get rid of household pests.
Can the smell of mothballs make you sick?
Inhalation of naphthalene may cause skin and eye irritation; gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea; neurologic symptoms, such as confusion, excitement, and convulsions; renal problems, such as acute renal shutdown; and hematologic features, such as icterus and severe anemia ...
Are moth balls illegal?
Other common pesticide products that have illegal versions include flea and tick repellents for pets, antibacterial cleansers, mothballs, and other products that claim to get rid of household pests.
What happens if you smell mothballs?
Mothballs slowly turn from solids to toxic vapor. When you smell mothballs, you are inhaling the insecticide. Mothballs can also be dangerous if they are chewed or eaten. Children, pets and wildlife may mistake them for food or candy and eat them.
What to do if a child eats a mothball?
One mothball can cause serious harm if eaten by a small child. If someone has swallowed a mothball, call the Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222 for emergency medical advice. If you think your pet has eaten a mothball, contact your veterinarian or one of these emergency resources.
What are mothballs made of?
Mothballs are nearly 100% active ingredient, and the active ingredient may be either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. Each active ingredient can cause different health effects if the exposure is high enough. Mothballs slowly turn from solids to toxic vapor. When you smell mothballs, you are inhaling the insecticide. Mothballs can also be dangerous if they are chewed or eaten. Children, pets and wildlife may mistake them for food or candy and eat them. One mothball can cause serious harm if eaten by a small child.
How to contact NPIC about mothballs?
For additional information on the health effects of mothballs, see the resources below or call NPIC at 800-858-7378 (8:00am - 12:00pm PST), or email at [email protected].
What happens if you swallow mothballs?
An active ingredient in some mothballs is naphthalene. If swallowed, naphthalene can damage red blood cells, causing kidney damage and many other problems. It can affect how blood carries oxygen to the heart, brain, and other organs. It can also cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, seizures and coma. Breathing in the fumes over a period of time can cause poisoning, too. Children have been poisoned by wearing wool clothing stored with naphthalene mothballs, although this is rare.
How to use mothballs?
If you choose to use mothballs: 1 Follow label directions carefully. 2 Keep mothballs out of reach of children and pets.
What happened to a 19-month-old boy?
Case 1: A 19-month-old healthy boy swallowed some mothballs containing paradichlorobenzene. The child was brought to the emergency room, where he was given activated charcoal. He seemed fine and his physical examination was normal. Three days later, his family took him back to the emergency room. His skin was yellow and he was fussy. His heart rate was very fast and his hemoglobin (reflecting red blood cells) was very low. The mothballs had caused his red blood cells to rupture. He was given a transfusion of packed red blood cells and admitted to the hospital. His hemoglobin level rose and the child recovered without additional problems.
What to do with mothballs?
Wash clothing and bedding that has been stored in mothballs before wearing or using it. (Some authorities believe that it's hard to wash naphthalene out of fabrics.) Dispose of mothballs with other household hazardous waste. (Hazardous waste collection sites differ by county.)
What is the best way to dispose of mothballs?
Dispose of mothballs with other household hazardous waste. (Hazardous waste collection sites differ by county.)
Is a mothball a pesticide?
But if you look at a box of mothballs, it is clear that mothballs are pesticides. There is a lot of required information about how and when to use them, what to do if someone swallows them, and how to dispose of them properly. This information is required by law, because mothballs ARE pesticides.
Can moth balls be used in the attic?
Follow all label directions carefully. These products are legal to use on and around clothing. They are NOT legal to use loose in the attic, in the eaves, or on the ground outside in an attempt to repel animals. Wash clothing and bedding that has been ...
What are mothballs used for?
Mothballs are classified as a pesticide and used to control moths, silverfish and other fiber pests in wool and other natural fiber clothing and materials. Mothballs should only be used as specified on the label, and their use is regulated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Can mothballs be used in closets?
Mothballs should not be placed in closets, attics, basements, storage chests or trunks, garment bags or other spaces other than in tightly closed containers as explained above. Gasses from the mothballs escape into the air and can cause respiratory problems. High levels of the chemical fumes can accumulate in closed areas. Improper use of mothballs can lead to long term exposures to people and pets. The fumes are heavier than air and will accumulate along floors, posing a danger to small children and pets.Another misunderstanding is the use of mothballs in outdoor areas to repel rodents, squirrels, bats, snakes or other wildlife. Mothballs are ineffective for this use and can contaminate soil and water. Using mothballs as animal repellants is not appropriate and can be illegal.
What happens if you inhale a moth ball?
Mental disorientation or confusion can be a side effect of moth ball inhalation. If a person has just inhaled a moth ball and seems confused about their surroundings, can't identify friends or family or is unable to speak coherently, take them to the doctor immediately.
What are the side effects of moth ball inhalation?
Breathing Trouble. Coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath are all common side effects of moth ball inhalation. Seek medical assistance to ensure that regular breathing is re-established.
How do you know if you have moth balls?
Symptoms include weakness, dizziness, fatigue and fainting. If you or someone you know has been regularly inhaling moth balls or their fumes, take them to the doctor immediately. Be sure to alert your physician of any symptoms of anemia.
Can you inhale moth balls?
The effects of naphthalene poisoning are particularly severe in infants and young children. If you or someone you know has inhaled a moth ball, visit your doctor or call poison control immediately.
Can moth balls cause nausea?
Nausea and Vomiting. An upset stomach and vomiting can both be symptoms of moth ball inhalation. If the nausea does not pass or the vomiting persists, seek medical attention. If the person that inhaled the moth ball is young, take them to the doctor at the first sign of gastrointestinal distress.
What happens if you eat mothballs?
If mothballs are ingested, they can cause the following symptoms: Vomiting.
Why do we need mothballs?
Mothballs are typically used to protect items that are put away for a long time, such as those in your storage area or garage. When used for other purposes, it can be risky for the health of humans, animals and the environment.
What Kind Of Animals Do Mothballs Keep Away?
Mothballs are intended for fabric pests that eat away fibers of your clothing or carpets. Examples of these are the carpet beetle and clothes moth. Other pests included in this category are crickets, silverfish, cockroaches and termites.
Are Mothballs Illegal To Use Outside?
Since mothballs are intended to be used against fabric pests to safely store items made from natural fibers, it can be considered illegal to use them otherwise. Due to several safety concerns, mothballs shouldn’t be used in ways other than what is stated on the label.
How To Dispose Of Mothballs?
So now you understand the risks associated with mothball usage. You may decide to dispose of the mothballs you thought could help with your garden pest problems . If so, there are certain precautions you need to observe.
Why do people use mothballs?
Mothballs are popularly used in the U.S. to repel insects and pests that like to eat natural fibers, particularly wool. However, people started using mothballs to repel most insects and pests in their garden. At that time, mothballs may have been made using different chemicals that have an effect on pests. Older products bore labels stating that ...
How long do mothballs last?
When used inside an airtight container, mothballs can last for up to two months; some can last for a year. You’ll know when it’s time to put new ones when you see that they’ve reduced in size.
