In the 1800s, naphthalene balls were commonly used to kill pests like spiders and cockroaches. Back then, people didn’t have the same understanding of the dangers of chemicals that we do now. So it’s not surprising they were used in ways considered dangerous by today’s standards.
Even though naphthalene balls are no longer used as a pest control method, many still use them in other ways. For example, some use them to clean their bathrooms or kitchens because they think the balls will kill germs and bacteria.
However, naphthalene balls are ineffective at killing bacteria or other microbes. Therefore, they can actually be harmful to humans if inhaled or ingested.
Naphthalene balls are a toxic substance that can cause serious health problems, including a disorder in the blood cells, causing anemia, and cancer. In addition, they contain chemicals which can cause health problems, like headaches and feeling sick to your stomach. They can also irritate your eyes and nose and make you cough.
Let’s take a closer look at this chemical and its potential dangers.
What Are Naphthalene Balls?
Naphthalene balls were created in the 1800s and used as a pest control method. They are small, hard balls made from naphthalene, a substance that comes from coal tar. This chemical substance has been banned in many countries as a pesticide but is still legal in the United States.
A Brief History of Mothballs
In the early 1800s, some chemists started experimenting with purified coal. This coal was white, waxy, and solid with a pungent smell.
They discovered that this new product effectively fought house pests because the intense smell helped kill insects such as cockroaches, moths, and spiders. People used and still use these balls to protect fabrics and other materials against pests like moths and insects. They are often used in closets, drawers, and other storage areas.
Naphthalene balls have been used for a long time and are safe when used correctly. But if people breathe in too many fumes, they can get sick.
Are Mothball Fumes Flammable?
Naphthalene is known to be harmful to the nervous system, kidneys, and lungs if consumed or inhaled. In addition, it is highly flammable and, if exposed to an open flame, can cause a fire or explosion.
Mothballs can cause fires. If you are close to a mothball when it catches fire, the heat from the fire can hurt you.
They are also harmful to the environment. When these balls are burned, they release toxic chemicals into the air. These chemicals can damage plants and animals as well as cause health problems in humans.
Some of the most common side effects of exposure to naphthalene balls are:
- Nausea,
- Headaches,
- Stomach pain,
- Vomiting,
- Liver damage,
- Lethargy,
- Eyes and nose irritation,
- Cough,
- Organ failure.
What Are Naphthalene Balls Used For?
People still use naphthalene balls for various purposes, such as removing bad smells from rooms and clothes. They also act as a deodorant or insect repellent. Other ways people use this insecticide are:
- Filling empty vases with balls to keep bugs away.
- Hanging balls in a closet to keep moths away.
- Placing balls in storage boxes to keep insects away.
- Putting balls in shoes to prevent them from getting smelly.
- Burning balls to produce fumes that repel mosquitoes.
What Does Naphthalene Smell Like?
Naphthalene comes in different forms such as balls, flakes, cakes, crystals, blocks, packets, or cases you can buy. They have a powerful smell that smells like camphor. Mothballs are made of either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene.
The pungent odor is detectable at low concentrations. The smell of naphthalene is often described as “mousy” or “musty.” At high concentrations, naphthalene has a sweet, floral smell.
Modern mothballs containing pyrethroid are odorless compared to the traditional white balls made of naphthalene, which has a powerful and unpleasant smell.
Is It Safe To Use Naphthalene Balls?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does not consider naphthalene balls safe for human use. The EPA has classified naphthalene as a Group B2 probable human carcinogen.
It means there is limited evidence that naphthalene can cause human cancer. However, there is also enough evidence to show that naphthalene can cause animal cancer.
The EPA recommends people not use naphthalene balls indoors because they can be harmful if inhaled. However, if you must use them, the EPA suggests taking the following precautions:
- Wear a dust mask or respirator when using naphthalene balls.
- Do not use naphthalene balls near an open flame.
- Avoid using naphthalene balls in enclosed spaces.
- Open windows and doors when using naphthalene balls to ventilate the area.
- Clean up any spilled balls immediately.
- Wash your hands after handling naphthalene balls.
- Do not allow children or pets to play with or near naphthalene balls.
What Does Science Say About it?
Science says this subject is still unknown. There is not enough evidence to know whether naphthalene balls are dangerous to humans. However, we know they can be toxic if ingested or inhaled in large quantities.
Those with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency may experience acute hemolysis (anemia) after exposure to naphthalene mothballs. This product harms people with anemia, pregnant women, and developing fetuses.
The IARC has deemed mothballs as carcinogenic to humans and other animals. Furthermore, IARC states that extended exposure can cause cataracts in victims.
What Should You Do If You Are Exposed To Naphthalene Balls?
If you or someone you know has been exposed to naphthalene balls, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of naphthalene poisoning can start within hours of exposure and can include:
- Nausea,
- Headache,
- Dizziness,
- Confusion,
- Lethargy,
- Seizures,
- Coma.
If you have been exposed to naphthalene balls, call your local poison control center or go to the emergency room immediately.
How To Avoid Contact With Naphthalene Balls?
The best way to avoid naphthalene balls is to not use them. However, if you must use them, take precautions to avoid inhaling the fumes. The EPA also recommends not using them around children or pets.
Most people are exposed to mothballs when they accidentally consume them or inhale fumes from work or a home renovation project.
Can You Get Addicted To Naphthalene Balls?
There have also been several reported instances of individuals intentionally ingesting large quantities of mothballs for recreational purposes, which is crazy, to be honest.
As incredible as it seems, teenagers and young adults have been known to consume mothballs as part of a dare or challenge.
It’s true: there is such a thing as mothball abuse. Unfortunately, teens mostly abuse it at the right age to try stupid things. As silly as it seems to be sniffing the fumes from mothballs, the risks and the dangers are real and severe.
Long-term Consequences Of Mothball Abuse
Mothball abuse is a real problem that can have long-term consequences. Teens and young adults who abuse mothballs risk their health for short-term thrills.
Mothballs made the news several years ago when teenagers in France were hospitalized for inhaling it. This habit can be serious and needs months to recover.
The Risks Associated With Having These Balls In Your Home
We can still find these balls in some households, but people are concerned about them because of the harmful chemicals they contain. In addition, some of these chemicals might be poisonous.
For example, naphthalene is a known carcinogen. It can cause health issues such as dizziness, nausea, and headaches when misused or over long periods.
If the balls are left out, there is a risk someone might accidentally swallow them. This could happen to young children or pets who think the balls are something to chew on.
How Long Are Mothballs Toxic?
The toxicity of mothballs can depend on the specific ingredients used in their production. One mothball will go away in 3-6 months if it is outside. However, if the mothball is under clothing or not outside, it will take up to 12 months to go away.
In other words, it will take a long time for the mothball to become less toxic. Therefore, Mothballs are considered harmful until they have entirely dissipated.
The mothball smell in your house can be hard to get rid of. It usually takes a long time and is best done by professionals like Jenkins Environmental Services.
However, if you wish to try and remove the mothball odor yourself, many familiar smell remedies, such as vinegar and baking soda, are the best options.
Are There Any Alternatives To Using Naphthalene Balls?
There are many safe and natural alternatives to using naphthalene balls to eliminate pests. Some options include using essential oils, such as peppermint oil or lemon eucalyptus oil, which effectively reduce the number of bugs in the home.
Another option is using mothballs made from naturally occurring pyrethroid compounds. These are known to have strong repellent properties without posing the same serious health risks associated with naphthalene balls.
Many people also choose to use homemade traps or electronic pest deterrents. These methods are a safe alternative to mothballs. They will help keep pests out of the home without impacting humans or other animals.
As you can see, currently we don’t need to rely on harmful naphthalene balls when we can find better ways if we want a more natural approach.
What To Do If You Think You’ve Been Exposed To Mothballs?
If you think you may have been exposed to mothballs, the first step is to seek medical attention. Symptoms of mothball poisoning can be pretty severe, so it is crucial to get help immediately.
While there is no specific antidote for mothball poisoning, your doctor may recommend certain medications to help manage your symptoms and minimize further harm. So if you ever suspect you have been exposed to mothballs, be sure to seek professional help right away.
