Mothball or naphthalene health hazards: dangers of mothball odors or off-gassing or mothball or moth flake ingestion.

The US EPA estimates that about 7.5 million pounds of naphthalene (often written as napthalene) are marketed in the U.S. each year as a pesticide, of which the major use is in moth repellant products. (US EPA 2008).

Here we describe the detection of and risks of exposure to mothball chemicals & odors when moth repellent products are applied indoors in buildings.

We describe how to get rid of mothball odors in buildings, building furnishings, clothing, or vehicles.

We note the possible health hazards from exposure to mothball odors (and gases) as well as the child hazard of eating mothballs or moth repellent products. We discuss methods to reduce mothball chemical & gas exposure.

We cite authoritative sources of information about safe and proper use of moth repellents and about mothball and moth repellent chemistry, child hazards, indoor air quality and health concerns, and proper application and use of these products.

Page top photo, courtesy of Wikipedia commons, shows a cluster mothballs, or a solid form of naphthalene.

Mothball Odors & Chemical Hazards

Symptoms of Naphthalene Poisoning

When naphthalene is inhaled, the chemical is stored in the human (or animal) body fat cells. In this phase of exposure, the building occupants may not show symptoms of naphthalene poisoning.

However, should the building occupants later lose weight for any reason, the body's shift to burning fat cells can release naphthalene into the circulatory system, causing naphthalene poisoning.

That humans can suffer serious illness in response to naphthalene exposure has been known since at least 1903, and in 1949 Zuelzer cited acute heolytic anemia due to naphthalene poisoning. (Nash 1903, Konar 1939, Zuelzer 1949).

• Abdominal pain or upset stomach
• Diarrhea
• Drowsiness
• Elevated heart rate
• Fever
• Headaches
• Jaundice
• Low blood pressure
• Mental confusion
• Vomiting

More extreme naphthalene poisoning can produce these symptoms:

• Blood in urine, dark urine
• Convulsions
• Loss of consciousness
• Red blood cell count reduction and anemia

Research on Health Hazards of Breathing Mothball Offgassing or of Eating Mothballs: Naphthalene Poisoning

• ATSDR ANALYTICAL METHODS for DETERMINING NAPHTALENE, 1-Methylnaphthalene, and 2-Methylnaphthalene in Biological Samples [PDF] U.S. CDC, retrieved 2022/08/25 original source: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ToxProfiles/tp67-c7.pdf
  
  Excerpt:
  The purpose of this chapter is to describe the analytical methods that are available for detecting, measuring, and/or monitoring naphthalene, 1-methylnaphthalene, 2-methylnaphthalene, its metabolites, and other biomarkers of exposure and effect to naphthalene, 1-methylnaphthalene, and 2-methylnaphthalene.
  
  The intent is not to provide an exhaustive list of analytical methods. Rather, the intention is to identify well-established methods that are used as the standard methods of analysis.
  
  Many of the analytical methods used for environmental samples are the methods approved by federal agencies and organizations such as EPA and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
  
  Other methods presented in this chapter are those that are approved by groups such as the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) and the American Public Health Association (APHA). Additionally, analytical methods are included that modify previously used methods to obtain lower detection limits and/or to improve accuracy and precision.
• [6] Avila, Edward, DO, Paul Schraeder MD, Ajit Belliappa MD, Scott Faro MD, "PICA With Paradichlorobenzene Mothball Ingestion Associated With Toxic Leukoencephalopathy", Journal of Neuroimaging Volume 16, Issue 1, pages 78–81, January 2006, retrieved 9/22/12,
  
  Abstract: This is a case report of central nervous system toxicity associated with paradichlorobenzene (PDCB) ingestion. The patient had ingested mothballs composed of 99.99% PDCB for a period of 7 months.
  
  She was admitted for depression and had no neurologic symptoms. Later she developed an acute cerebellar syndrome followed by stupor and coma. An extensive workup was negative except for decreasing levels of PDCB in her serum. Imaging revealed a diffuse leukoencephalopathy. Her clinical picture was attributed to PDCB toxicity.
• [3] Baker, Douglas M., M.D., "Holiday Hazards", Pediatric Emergency Care, Vol. 1 No. 4, December 1985 Lippincott-Raven, retrieved 9/22/12
  
  Abstract: Presented is a selective review of the toxicities of various plants, decorations, and miscellaneous items popularly used during the holiday season. Particularly hazardous agents include mistletoe, holly, bubble lights, fireplace flame colors, alkaline batteries, and mothballs.
  
  Specific questions regarding management of exposure to these items should be referred to regional poison control centers. Avoidance is the most effective treatment. ... [regarding mothballs, ... decontamination is advised for ingestions of greater than one half of a naphthalene mothball and more than two to three paradichlorobenzene mothballs ...]
• Buckpitt A, Boland B, Isbell M, Morin D, Shultz M, Baldwin R, Chan K, Karlsson A, Lin C, Taff A, West J, Fanucchi M, Van Winkle L, Plopper C. Naphthalene-induced respiratory tract toxicity: metabolic mechanisms of toxicity. Drug Metab Rev. 2002;34:791–820.
• Chin, J‐Y., Christopher Godwin, Chunrong Jia, Thomas Robins, Toby Lewis, Edith Parker, Paul Max, and Stuart Batterman. "Concentrations and risks of p‐dichlorobenzene in indoor and outdoor air." Indoor air 23, no. 1 (2013): 40-49.
  
  Abstract:
  Abstract p-dichlorobenzene (PDCB) is a chlorinated volatile organic compound that can be encountered at high concentrations in buildings owing to its use as pest repellent and deodorant. This study characterizes PDCB concentrations in four communities in southeast Michigan. The median concentration outside 145 homes was 0.04 μg/m3, and the median concentration inside 287 homes was 0.36 μg/m3.
  
  The distribution of indoor concentrations was extremely skewed. For example, 30% of the homes exceeded 0.91 μg/m3, which corresponds to a cancer risk level of 10−5 based on the California unit risk estimate, and 4% of homes exceeded 91 μg/m3, equivalent to a 10−3 risk level. The single highest measurement was 4100 μg/m3.
  
  Estimates of whole-house emission rates were largely consistent with chamber test results in the literature. Indoor concentrations that exceed a few μg/m3 indicate the use of PDCB products.
  
  PDCB concentrations differed among households and the four cities, suggesting the importance of locational, cultural, and behavioral factors in the use patterns of this chemical. The high PDCB levels found suggest the need for policies and actions to lower exposures, for example, sales or use restrictions, improved labeling, and consumer education.
  
• Dawson, Jean P., William W. Thayer, and Jane F. Desforges, "Acute Hemolytic Anemia in the Newborn Infant due to Naphthalene Poisoning: Report of Two Cases with Investigations into the Mechanism of the Disease." Blood, J. Hematol. 13, no. 12 (1958): 1113-25.
  
  Abstract :
  At least 18 cases of acute haemolytic anaemia after exposure to naphthalene have been reported since 1949. In this paper there is a description of 2 cases of this condition in new-born children with a report on the investigations of erythrocyte metabolism in these infants and their families.
  
  The cases occurred in Negro infants, , a 14-day-old female and a 9-day-old male who were admitted to the Boston City Hospital because of icterus and pallor.
  
  Both infants were normal at their birth in hospital and only became ill after returning home, where the girl was dressed in " clothing heavily impregnated with naphthol " and the boy in " clothing impregnated with naphthalene mothballs". Both children recovered. Their states on admission are described with details of the results of blood examinations.
  
  The biochemical investigations of the peripheral blood of the 2 patients and some of the members of their families which were carried out are described in detail.
  
  These studies included examination of Heinz bodies, glutathione determination, glutathione stability, methaemoglobin reduction, glucose-6-phosphate de-hydrogenase activity and glutathione reductase.
  
  The findings of these studies are described with tables and figures and there is a long discussion and many references.
  
  In both infants there was " glutathione instability upon incubation with acetyl phenyl-hydrazine and naphthol months to years later. Several members of their families exhibited a similar defect with evidence that it is inherited as a simple dominant".
  
  In those individuals with glutathione instability there were indications of deficiency in glucose-6-dehydrogenase activity.
  
  M. E. Delafield.
• Dubey, Divyanshu, Vibhash D. Sharma, Steven E. Pass, Anshudha Sawhney, and Olaf Stüve. PARA-DICHLOROBENZENE TOXICITY–A REVIEW OF POTENTIAL NEUROTOXIC MANIFESTATIONS [PDF] Therapeutic Advances in Neurological Disorders 7, no. 3 (2014): 177-187.
  
  Excerpt: Para-dichlorobenzene (PDCB) is an active ingredient of mothballs, deodorizers and fumigants. Due to the easy availability of this chemical, there is a considerable risk for accidental or intentional toxic exposure. Recently, multiple cases of PDCB toxicity due to mothball ingestion were reported.
  
  PDCB toxicity can affect multiple organ systems including liver, kidneys, skin, lung and the central nervous system (CNS). CNS toxicity often results in leukoencephalopathy and heterogeneous neurological manifestations.
  
  Conclusions:
  
  PDCB and other aromatic hydrocarbons are capable of CNS tissue damage and in promoting functional neurological decline. While very little is currently known about prevalence of PDCB addiction, it cannot be ruled out that its illicit use among young people is under-recognized. The number of cases of PDCB toxicity might also rise due to the increasing industrial and domestic use of this chemical.
• Fukami T, Katoh M, Yamazaki H, Yokoi T, Nakajima M. Human cytochrome P450 2A13 efficiently metabolizes chemicals in air pollutants: naphthalene, styrene, and toluene. Chem Res Toxicol. 2008;21:720–725.
• Girschikofsky, Maiko, Manuel Rosenberger, Stefan Belle, Malte Brutschy, Siegfried R. Waldvogel, and Ralf Hellmann. HIGHLY SENSITIVE DETECTION OF NAPHTHALENE IN SOLVENT VAPOR USING A FUNCTIONALIZED PBG REFRACTIVE INDEX SENSOR [PDF] Sensors 12, no. 2 (2012): 2018-2025.
• Griego FY, Bogen KT, Price PS, Weed DL. Exposure, epidemiology and human cancer incidence of naphthalene. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2008;51:S22–26.
• Gupta R, Singhal PC, Muthusethupathy MA, Malik AK, Chugh KS. Cerebral oedema and renal failure following naphthalene poisoning. The Journal of the Association of Physicians of India. 1979;27:347–348.
• Hashemi, Sayyed Hossein, and Massoud Kaykhaii. "Developments in methods of analysis for naphthalene sulfonates." Critical Reviews in Analytical Chemistry 47, no. 2 (2017): 127-137.
  Abstract:
  Naphthalene sulfonates are highly water-soluble compounds, indicating a high mobility in aquatic systems along with high temperature stability, which are important substances in the chemical industry.
  
  This review covers analytical methods, instruments and techniques used for the pre-concentration and analysis of naphthalene sulfonates in different matrices. All analytical steps including the extraction from real samples, their detection by spectrophotometric and chromatographic techniques, as well as methods of identification of this class of compounds are described in detail.
  
  The methods normally employed for the extraction and pre-concentration of these compounds is solid-phase extraction (including molecularly imprinted polymers and anion-exchange), while their quantification are performed using high-performance liquid chromatography, capillary electrophoresis, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and spectrophotometric techniques.
  
  In this review, in addition to chromatographic and spectrophotometric methods, electrochemical innovations appearing in the literature will be also explored.
• Huang, Lihui, Jinhan Mo, Jan Sundell, Zhihua Fan, and Yinping Zhang. "Health risk assessment of inhalation exposure to formaldehyde and benzene in newly remodeled buildings, Beijing." PloS one 8, no. 11 (2013): e79553.
  
  Excerpt: Prior to the tests, the occupants were asked to stop smoking, remove consumer products that could release VOCs (e.g. mothballs, cleaning products and air fresher).
• ID WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MOTHBALLS - Protecting Your Children and Educating Childcare Providers [PDF] Idaho Department of Environment, retrieved 2022/09/01 original source: https://ldh.la.gov/assets/oph/Center-EH/envepi/Pest/Documents/Mothball_Fact_Sheet.pdf
  
  Excerpts:
  The chemicals in mothballs are toxic to humans and pets. People are exposed to the chemicals in mothballs by inhaling the fumes. If you smell mothballs, you are being exposed to these chemicals. Children or pets sometimes mistake mothballs for food or candy and eat them, which can cause serious effects.
  
  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. Mothballs should never be used in schools, daycare centers and other public buildings.
• International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans. Vol. 82. IARC; Lyon, France: 2002. Traditional herbal medicines, some mycotoxins, naphthalene, and styrene.
• Konar, N. R., H. K. Roy, and M. N. De. NAPHTHALENE POISONING [PDF] The Indian Medical Gazette 74, no. 12 (1939): 723. Retrieved 2018/04/10, original source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5151638/pdf/indmedgaz72465-0005.pdf
• Kurz JM. Naphthalene poisoning: critical care nursing techniques. Dimens Crit Care Nurs. 1987;6:264–270.
• Ledoux, Danny. Pest control simplified for everyone: Kill, repel, or mitigate pests with or without pesticides. Universal-Publishers, 2011.
  Excerpt: … Although many pest controllers doubt the effectiveness of snake repellants such as Snake-Away (sulfur and naphthalene), farmers in China have long used sulfur to drive away snakes. …
• Lim, H. C., V. Poulose, and H. H. Tan. ACUTE NAPHTHALENE POISONING FOLLOWING THE NON-ACCIDENTAL INGESTION OF MOTHBALLS [PDF] Singapore Med J 50, no. 8 (2009): e298-e301. Retrieved 2018/04/10, original source: https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/053c/349bdaea3c12793c987690edcc1ea73d03c4.pdf
  Abstract:
  
  Ingestional naphthalene mothball poisoning leading to prolonged haemolysis and methaemoglobinaemia can present with diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. A 19- year-old woman ingested 12 mothballs, and presented two days later with haemolysis and methaemoglobinaemia.
  
  She was treated with red blood cell transfusions, intravenous methylene blue, N-acetylcysteine and ascorbic acid. Continuous venovenous haemofiltration was conducted for 45 hours. Haemolysis with anaemia and methaemoglobinaemia persisted even after five days post-ingestion.
  
  Clinical and biochemical parameters improved. We describe a case of ingestional naphthalene poisoning with a good outcome after treatment.
• Linick M. Illness Associated with Exposure to Naphthalene in Mothballs – Indiana. MMWR. 1983;32:34–35.
• NJ DOH NAPHTHALENE (Synonyms Moth Flakes, Napthalin, Tar Camphor, White Tar) HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE FACT SHEET [PDF] (1998) New Jersey Department of Health, retrieved 2022/08/24, original source: https://www.nj.gov/health/eoh/rtkweb/documents/fs/1322.pdf
• NPIC NAPHTHALENE TECHNICAL FACT SHEET [PDF] NPIC National Pesticide Information Center, - retrieved 2022/08/24, original source: http://npic.orst.edu/factsheets/archive/naphtech.html
• Ogg, Barb, MOTHBALLS are PESTICIDES - USE SAFELY [PDF] (2010) The Nebline, University of Nebraska, Lincoln Extension in Lancaster County, 404 Cherrycreek Rd., Lincon, NE 68528 USA, Tel: 402-441-7180, Web: lancaster.unl.edu, in Environmental Focus, August 2010 p. 3. Copy at: inspectapedia.com/hazmat/Nebline-August-2010-excerpts.pdf
  
  Excerpt: For some inexplicable reason, some unthinking people believe moth balls and crystals will repel other animals. Mothballs cannot be used:
  
  in attics to get rid of bats, squirrels, raccoons, and other animals,
  
  in perennial beds and gardens to prevent rabbit feeding,
  
  in yards or basements to get rid of snakes.
  
  Mothballs will not be effective for these off-label uses.
  
  It is also a violation of Federal Law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its labeling. The Nebraska Department of Agriculture Pesticide Program regulates pesticide applications, including the inappropriate use of mothballs.
  
  At least one Lincolnite was observed recently picking up mothballs he had earlier spread to get rid of snakes in his yard.
• OSHA NAPHTHALENE DETECTION PROCEDURE [PDF] U.S. OSHA, - retrieved 2022/08/24, original source: osha.gov/sites/default/files/methods/osha35.pdf
• Preuss R, Koch HM, Wilhelm M, Pischetsrieder M, Angerer J. Pilot study on the naphthalene exposure of German adults and children by means of urinary 1- and 2-naphthol levels. International journal of hygiene and environmental health. 2004;207:441–445.
• Price PS, Jayjock MA. Available data on naphthalene exposures: strengths and limitations. Regul Toxicol Pharmacol. 2008;51:S15–21.
• Robbins, Nancy. Domestic cats: their history, breeds and other facts. Nancy Robbins, 2012.
  
  Excerpt: … group of cats that needs to be looked: feral cats. Although … They include mothballs and similar products as well as others… areas where cats eat and where they have litter boxes.
• Schafer WB. Acute hemolytic anemia related to naphthalene; report of a case in a newborn infant. Pediatrics. 1951;7:172–4.
• Siegel, Earl, and Suman Wason. "Mothball toxicity." Pediatric Clinics of North America 33, no. 2 (1986): 369-374.
  
  Abstract: Accidental mothball ingestion is very common in children. Mothballs consist either of naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, the toxicities of which are very diferent. This article focuses on the management of mothball ingestion with reference to these major ingredients.
• Stone D, Stock T. Mothballs: Proper Use and Alternative Controls for Clothes Moths. 2008 PNW 606-E.
• Sudakin, Daniel L., David L. Stone, and Laura Power. NAPHTHALENE MOTHBALLS: EMERGING AND RECURRING ISSUES AND THEIR RELEVANCE TO ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH [PDF] Current topics in toxicology 7 (2011): 13. Retrieved 2017/11/08, original source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3850774/
  Abstract:
  
  Naphthalene is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon that is commonly encountered in indoor and outdoor environments.
  
  There is growing awareness of the environmental health risks associated with inhalation exposure to naphthalene in the indoor environment. While there are numerous potential sources of naphthalene indoors, the use of mothballs can be a significant contributor to ambient concentrations.
  
  This review article describes recurring and emerging environmental health issues relating to mothballs containing naphthalene. The toxicology and health effects of naphthalene exposure are reviewed, with discussion of high-risk populations and risk mitigation strategies.
  
  Environmental health professionals should be aware of mothball use in the home, and recognize risks associated with accidental exposure and misuse.
• Thomas, Paul. "The President's Page." Nuclear Future 6, no. 3 (2010): 126.
  
  Excerpt: … more likely to deter new cats from straying into the colony. … raised from the flooron bricks to provide sleeping boxes. The … First, cats tend to shy away from the smell of mothballs, so you …
• US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) Integrated Risk Information System: Naphthalene (CASRN 91-20-3) [March 11, 2010];1998
  Watch out: We were unable to locate this document at the US EPA site on 2017/11/08 - Ed.
• US CDC, TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE for NAPHTHALENE [PDF] U.S. Centers for Disease Control, - retrieved 2022/08/24 original source: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ToxProfiles/tp67-c7.pdf
  
  Includes a discussion of environmental samples for and detection of naphthalene
• US DOHHS TOXICOLOGICAL PROFILE for NAPHTHALENE, 1-METHYLNAPHTHALENE, AND 2-METHYLNAPHTHALENE [PDF] (2005) U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Public Health Service Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Division of Toxicology/Toxicology Information Branch 1600 Clifton Road NE Mailstop F-32 Atlanta, Georgia 30333
• [9] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Illness Associated with Exposure to Naphthalene in Mothballs—Indiana. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, 1983, Vol. 32: 34–5..
• US EPA, NAPHTHALENE HAZARD SUMMARY [PDF] U.S. EPA, retrieved 2022/08/24 original source: https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-09/documents/naphthalene.pdf
• US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) Washington, DC: US Environmental Protection Agency; 2008. [February 19, 2010]. REREGISTRATION ELIGIBILITY DECISION FOR NAPHTHALENE [PDF] retrieved 2017/11/08, original source: https://archive.epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/web/pdf/naphthalene-red.pdf
  
  Excerpt:
  Use Sites: Naphthalene is registered for use on indoor and outdoor residential use sites. It is used indoors as a moth repellant, and placed in closed drawers, closets, and other storage areas. It is also used in attics as a squirrel and bat repellant. Outdoors, it is used around garden and building peripheries to repel animals such as snakes and rabbits.
  ...
  When used indoors as an animal repellant, it is formulated as a flake and applied at a rate of 1 lb ai/400 ft3 (or 1 oz/3 ft3 for smaller spaces). When used outdoors and formulated as granules or flakes, it is applied at rates ranging from 0.56 lb ai/treated area to 10.8 lb ai/treated area.
• Valaes, Timos, Spyros A. Doxiadis, and Phaedon Fessas. "Acute hemolysis due to naphthalene inhalation." The Journal of pediatrics 63, no. 5 (1963): 904-915.
• World Health Organization, The WHO RECOMMENDED CLASSIFICATION of PESTICIDES by Hazard and Guidelines to Classification 2009 [PDF], retrieved 2017/07/.27, original source: http://www.who.int/ipcs/publications/pesticides_hazard_2009.pdf?ua=1
• Winkler, James V., Kenneth Kulig, and Barry H. Rumack. "Mothball differentiation: naphthalene from paradichlorobenzene." Annals of emergency medicine 14, no. 1 (1985): 30-32.
  Abstract:
  In order to develop a rapid, simple test to differentiate toxic naphthalene from the less toxic mothball ingredient paradichlorobenzene, both types of mothballs were dissolved in isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, methanol, and turpentine.
  
  Twenty-five naphthalene and 25 paradichlorobenzene mothballs were weighed, randomly grouped, and then dissolved in the solvents.
  
  After 30 minutes, the mothballs were reweighed. Isopropyl alcohol, ethanol, and methanol did not differentially dissolve the mothballs fast enough to provide a useful test.
  
  Turpentine, however, dissolved paradichlorobenzene at a much more rapid rate than naphthalene (P < .001).
  
  After 60 minutes, all of the paradichlorobenzene mothballs had dissolved, while at least 25% of the naphthalene remained.
  
  Thus, when confronted with an ingestion of unlabeled mothballs, the physician could gain preliminary information regarding possible toxicity by dissolving a remaining mothball in turpentine for 60 minutes.
• Zuelzer, Wolf W., Leonard Apt. "Acute hemolytic anemia due to naphthalene poisoning: a clinical and experimental study." Journal of the American Medical Association 141, no. 3 (1949): 185-190.
  Abstract:
  
  In 4 cases of fulminating hemolytic anemia in young children observed during a period of two years the ingestion of moth balls consisting of pure naphthalene (C10H8) was the sole apparent etiologic factor.
  
  Experimental studies in dogs confirmed the hemolytic action of naphthalene. Since moth balls are a common and easily accessible household article, generally believed to be harmless, and since the American literature seems to contain no previous reports of this kind, the cases are reported in detail.
• Zhu, Lizhong, Hao Lu, Shuguang Chen, and Takashi Amagai. "Pollution level, phase distribution and source analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in residential air in Hangzhou, China." Journal of Hazardous Materials 162, no. 2 (2009): 1165-1170.
  
  Excerpt: Use of mothballs ... common sources of indoor air pollution

 

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Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

On 2023-04-15 by InspectApedia Editor (mod) - using mothballs to kill a feral cat colony?

@Erincrowe R,

Thank you for a helpful question on chasing off feral cats using "mothball nest trap boxes"

Yes you should throw away the styrofoam cat-house boxes that smell like styrofoam.

Yes, depending on size, quantity, location, exposure to weather, plus perhaps rain, mothballs or moth flakes might dissipate in three weeks.

Remaining odor on soil should further dissipate.

Please do post some photos, one per comment, of the whole cat-box system so that we can better understand what you're dealing-with.

If, also, you have a reference on the method being used to repel feral cats please share that.

Watch out: We do NOT recommend using mothballs as you describe: it is improper, unsafe, and potentially illegal, depending on where you live. Further, I would not expect mothballs or napthalene to "kill feral cats" or other un-wanted animals as you described. More-likely the smell simply drives them away.

Supporting research:

Ledoux, Danny. Pest control simplified for everyone: Kill, repel, or mitigate pests with or without pesticides. Universal-Publishers, 2011.
Excerpt:
… Although many pest controllers doubt the effectiveness of snake repellants such as Snake-Away (sulfur and naphthalene), farmers in China have long used sulfur to drive away snakes. …

Robbins, Nancy. Domestic cats: their history, breeds and other facts. Nancy Robbins, 2012.
Excerpt:
… group of cats that needs to be looked: feral cats. Although … They include mothballs and similar products as well as others… areas where cats eat and where they have litter boxes.

Ogg, Barb, "Mothballs are Pesticides - Use Safely" [PDF] (2010) The Nebline, University of Nebraska, Lincoln Extension in Lancaster County, 404 Cherrycreek Rd., Lincon, NE 68528 USA, Tel: 402-441-7180, Web: lancaster.unl.edu, in Environmental Focus, August 2010 p. 3.

Copy at: https://inspectapedia.com/hazmat/Nebline-August-2010-excerpts.pdf

Excerpt:
For some inexplicable reason, some unthinking people believe moth balls and crystals will repel other animals.

Mothballs cannot be used:

• in attics to get rid of bats, squirrels, raccoons, and other animals,
• in perennial beds and gardens to prevent rabbit feeding,
• in yards or basements to get rid of snakes.

Mothballs will not be effective for these off-label uses. It is also a violation of Federal Law to use this product in a manner inconsistent with its
labeling.

The Nebraska Department of Agriculture Pesticide Program regulates pesticide applications, including the inappropriate use of mothballs. At least one Lincolnite was observed recently picking up mothballs he had earlier spread to get rid of snakes in his yard.

Thomas, Paul. "The President's Page." Nuclear Future 6, no. 3 (2010): 126.
Excerpt:
… more likely to deter new cats from straying into the colony. … raised from the flooron bricks to provide sleeping boxes. The … First, cats tend to shy away from the smell of mothballs, so you …

On 2023-04-15 by Erincrowe R

Someone has used mothballs to poison to kill a feral cat colony. The cat houses were on private property.

6 out of the 8 straw filled Styrofoam boxes had a handful of mothballs thrown in. There are 14 cats left. I have thrown out the straw, should I also dispose of the Styrofoam boxes as well? There was a pile on the ground, as well.

How do I make this area safe again for pets, children, and the cats? Some of the boxes definitely smelled but I could not find the pellets.

However, it has only been 3 weeks since the cats started going missing en mass. Could the pellets dissipate in 3 weeks under these conditions?

I am attaching a picture showing one of the houses that had the mothballs thrown in. They have started to eat away at the Styrofoam. Ty for your help.

On 2021-10-11 by (mod) - are spilled mothballs in the attic a toxic situation?

@Allie,

You may need some help to find and remove those mothballs - otherwise the smell will continue;

Meanwhile you can reduce the effects by fresh air ventilation.

I wouldn't personally be in a panic about this problem but different people vary in their sensitivity to smells and other air contaminants. So I can't say what's toxic or what's harmful for you. Rather I responded to your complaint that there was an odor that was bothersome. My advice Remains the Same; sorry but I don't have another suggestion

On 2021-10-11 by Allie

Accidentally opened a bag of moth balls and the spilled all over inside unfinished attic and can’t find them all and can smell mothballs strongly in my bedroom. What do I do?

It was only small bag of like 30 mothballs. I’d say I got about half out. Windows open, air purifier going, is this a toxic situation?

On 2021-05-30 by (mod) - How many pounds of moth balls are toxic in 1000 square foot attic?

In the article above on this page you will indeed find some information on health hazards for exposure to mothball off-gassing.

Your question is a perfectly reasonable and understandable one but unfortunately there is no credible answer that can be given from just the words in your text.

That's because the concentration of gases in an attic is going to depend not only on the quantity of the source, in this case mothballs, but also on

• the volume of the attic, not just its square feet
• the fresh air ventilation rate of the attic.
• attic temperature range
• attic moisture range
• duration of exposure of people in the attic to mothball off-gassing products like naphthalene
  

If you had a totally enclosed attic space you can understand that the concentration of any airborne contaminant whose source is also in that space will be much greater than in an attic that's well ventilated.

On 2021-05-28 by Linda Ditaranto

How many pounds of moth balls are toxic in 1000 square foot attic?

On 2020-11-15 - by (mod) - I can smell mothballs; are my cat and I going to die?

Z

The clearest explanation of the possible health hazards from exposure to the off-gassing of mothballs are detailed in the page above. Please take a look

On 2020-11-15 by Zosha

My sister in trying to be helpful shoved about 15 lose mothballs 1/2 each into a mouse hole. And then sealed it. But you can smell it. Are me and my cat going to die?

On 2020-07-03 - by (mod) -

Carla

If upholstery cleaning and sunlight and airing-out don't work, then you might need to re-upholster.

My best suggestions are in the article MOTHS, MOTHBALL ODORS.

Please take a look and let me know what you think.

On 2020-07-03 by Carla De Vries

I have dining chairs with upholstered seats that have been exposed to moth balls. Is their a way to clean the naphthalene off the upholstery?
My daughter is concerned the nepheline on the seat's upholstery will be dangerous to her small children.

On 2020-06-25 - by (mod) - hazard remaining in food that was exposed to mothballs

Gloria

Thank you for a remarkable question. Sorry to say I don't know and haven't found an authoritative answer to the question of how to determine, in any way using sound science, the level of hazard remaining in food that was exposed to mothballs or camphor. I suspect that without doubt, if your yellow beans smell in the slightest like mothballs you definitely don't want to eat them

Whether or not cooking would remove harmful residuals that might be present without the "smell test" is where we don't find research.

See HEALTH EFFECTS of EXPOSURE to MOTHBALLS where we cite some helpful research

Also, here is some research that talks around the question of food contamination by mothballs or naphthalene:

• Kieszak, Stephanie M., Luke P. Naeher, Carol S. Rubin, Larry L. Needham, Lorraine Backer, Dana Barr, and Michael McGeehin. "Investigation of the relation between self-reported food consumption and household chemical exposures with urinary levels of selected nonpersistent pesticides." Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology 12, no. 6 (2002): 404-408.
• Vollmer, John J. "Out of" Thin Air": Exploring Phase Changes." Journal of Chemical Education 77, no. 4 (2000): 488A.
• US NIH https://www.niehs.nih.gov/ offers articles on mothball safety but unfortunately I found the website useless for lay-people. A search for "mothball safety" returns nearly 5000 documents with no better filter.
• NIH, NTP TECHNICAL REPORT ON THE TOXICOLOGY AND CARCINOGENESIS STUDIES OF NAPHTHALENE (CAS NO. 91-20-3)
  IN F344/N RATS (INHALATION STUDIES) NATIONAL TOXICOLOGY PROGRAM December 2000 [PDF] U.S. DEHS, Public Health Service National Institutes of Health, retrieved 2020/06/29 original source: NIH,
  at ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/htdocs/lt_rpts/tr500.pdf may be worth a look though it focuses on inhalation not ingestion.

On 2020-06-22 by Gloria

Is it safe to eat my yellow beans after using mothballs in garden for 2 weeks not realizing that it was toxic .

On 2016-04-14 by (mod) mothballs under the floor, partner is wheezing

Louise,

This question seems to confound multiple concerns: mothballs and health effects of exposure to naphta, physical health complaints of tiredness and wheezing, "dampness odors", and persistence of odors in hair and clothing.

1. Mothballs will never "fix" an underlying problem of dampness

in a building, nor of mold contamination (that is related to dampness or leaks), nor of other odors from other sources. Mothballs are useful, if properly handled and placed, as a repellant against moths.

2. Prolonged exposure to the volatiles exuded from mothballs

may be irritating or cause other health complaints as we cite in the article above, but your partner should ask these questions of his doctor.

3. If the house smells "damp"

it may indeed be suffering from water entry, poor ventilation, and even of mold contamination that is encouraged by indoor leaks or moisture. To address that one would investigate the home, its leak and moisture history, its level of mold contamination, and perhaps one would investigate further into building cavities that are most-suspect of being wet now or in the past.

4. If your partner has placed an inappropriate amount of mothballs in and around the home,

thinking that magically that substance is going to fix other house problems, he is mistaken, and is probably causing the very complaints you describe.

On 2016-04-14 by louisecarruthers1965@icloud.com

my partner bought a house 26 years ago. the couple he bought it from used moth balls. my parther uses them himself, they are in tubs with no lids.

the mall balls are also under the flooring. he complains he is tired all the time. and has a wheez sometimes.

lovely big house, but smells to me like damp. when i have stayed there at the weekend i smell like damp or something in my hair and on my clothes.

...

Continue reading  at TERMITES & NAPHTHALENE HAZARDS or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

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MOTHS, MOTHBALL ODORS at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

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