Mothball odor removal & mothball chemical & gas hazard Q&A:

Frequently-asked questions (and answers) about using mothballs: the different types of mothballs, para-dichlorobenzene mothballs, napthalene mothballs, moth ball odors, the sublimation rate of mothballs, how to get rid of mothball smells, and the health hazards of exposure to the offgassing or sublimation products of mothballs.

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

Mothball Odors & Chemicals, Hazards, Exposure, Health Effects, Odor Removal

These questions & answers about the hazards of using mothballs or exposure to the offgassing fumes from moth balls were posted originally

at MOTHS, MOTHBALL ODORS - be sure to see the advice given there.

[Click to enlarge any image]

On 2019-02-18 by (mod) - what is a harmful exposure time to mothball smells

Unfortunately there's not a simple right answer to it the way you phrase it.

That's because with any environmental hazard the time duration of exposure is only part of the equation when assessing the hazard level or risk. It's the concentration level that is critical as well. In the article above we state

the sublimation rate of mothballs depends on the relative naphthalene gas or para-dichlorobenzene vapor pressure difference between the thin layer of air at the surface of the mothball and the surrounding air.

And that's just one of several scientific details. Indoor air movement, temperature, and humidity level would also be factors. So no one based on an e-text can tell you how long a generic exposure to mothball odors would have to occur for anyone to suffer any ill effect.

Nevertheless in this is subjective opinion I can state that I certainly haven't seen research claiming that a brief exposure has produced lasting health effects.

I'll do some further research to see if we can put some additional numbers on this interesting question.

See the mothball or napthal health concerns and research citations given

at MOTHS, MOTHBALL ODORS - home.

On 2019-02-18 by Sarah

What is the minimum time of exposure to a very very strong smell of moth balls to potientially cause health problems to young children or an unborn baby.

I know there is a certian type of anemia it can cause. And again, smell was overwhelming, not sure how many moth balls or where in the house, but obviously a lot to cause such a strong odor through the whole house in such a strong form

On 2018-11-25 by (mod) - steps to reduce mothball smell

Anon

It can indeed be difficult to get rid of mothball odors because the vocs permeate any nearby porous material including wood, drywall, and upholstered furniture.

You can often improve Matters by a combination of cleaning those things that can be cleaned and fresh air ventilation. If conditions permit increasing the level of heat in a space can also speed off-gassing from many the OC emitting surfaces.

Ultimately I have found that some materials such as a wooden storage chest that had moth balls in it for many years are impossible to make odor-free unless we clean, dry, and then seal the surface. I might use a shellac or odor sealant coating for that purpose.

On 2018-11-22 1 by Anonymous

@Linda gray, we are dealing with a similar situation- how did it work out for your sister’s family? How were they able to remove the smell and how long did it take?

On 2018-09-15 by (mod) - what if you don't smell anything

No detectable odor is a good indicator, moreso if by a 3rd party, fresh from outdoors, who has a good sense of smell.

On 2018-09-14 by carrie

How do you know if mothball problem is solved? Have had major problem but odor gone away .

On 2018-04-28 by (mod) - home for sale has horrible mothball odor

if ventilating hasn't fixed the problem then painting with a fire sealant paint -a paint used post fire in homes - should make a substantial difference.

however I would use the smell patch test kit that we describe at this website to be sure that you don't have a carpet or similar odor source that can't be painted

On 2018-04-28 by Lew Gordin

A home for sale smells horribly from moth balls. If we re paint the entire house, will the Oder dissapate?

On 2017-11-06 by (mod) - wood and carpets absorb naptha

Laura,

If wood, carpeting, or drywall have absorb mothball odors or naphtha off-gassing, particularly for a long period of time, it's likely that you would have to remove insulation and possibly apply a fire sealant or coating.

On 2017-11-06 by (mod) - protect clothing from mothballs

Lindsay,

If your belongings are covered or and cased in relatively airtight containers or bags it's not likely that they will pick up much mouth ball odor.

On 2017-11-06 by Laura

@Linda gray, Just did the same thing. D

id removing the insulation take care of the smell? Was it expensive? Did the squirrels vacate? We put the mothballs everywhere and now - Dog is in day care and we are sleeping elsewhere. Any advice?

On 2017-10-22 by Lindsay

Hi-
I just put my belongings into a storage facility. I noticed that there is a general smell of mothballs in the hallways - not very strong, but noticeable. My things are almost all wrapped in plastic - a few objects and books are just in sealed boxes.

My dishes are wrapped in paper and boxed. The door to my storage unit is usually closed - but not completely air tight. I am on the first floor - so some fresh air does circulate a bit thru the entrance to the facility. Are these types of chemicals likely to penetrate my belongings?

Do they stick to things? If so, when I move to a new apartment and transport my belongings, will they then offgas into the air there? I have health sensitivities.

Thank you!

On 2017-09-30 by (mod) - steps to take before trying an air purifier to get rid of mothball odors

Before I would replace insulation or buy an "air purifier" I would attempt to find out what has absorbed the mothball odors that needs to be cleaned or removed, or perhaps sealed.

Someone who has a good sense of smell coming in from fresh outdoor air can usually help, or you can search this website for a simple and easy SMALL PATCH TEST that might be helpful.

On 2017-09-29 by Linda gray

Question: my sister's family in Tampa have had to move into a hotel a few days ago. They unfortunately took the advice of a friend who said mothballs will get rid of squirrels in their attic. They both became sick.

So, they are having the insulation taken out and replaced. They are purchasing an Austin Air Healthmate Plus air purifier. I want to make sure they have done everything necessary BEFORE using the air purifier. Can you help us? Linda Gray. 703-754-7482. Thanks!

On 2017-07-28 0 by (mod) -

Laurie

To have sufficient space and to permit citation of authoritative research I have repeated your question and given a rather lengthy answer in the

article MOTHS, MOTHBALL ODORS .

Please take a look and let me know if you have further questions. Thank you for asking the interesting question.

On 2017-07-27 by Laurie davis

What is the life expectancy of a moth ball in a hot area? How long does it continue to releasee the harmful fumes?

On 2017-05-19 by (mod) - how long do I need to keep mothballs in the closet to get rid of moths

Morgan

While both types of mothballs are pesticides, in common usage mothballs may not so much kill moths as make the environment one that they prefer to avoid. So usually they're used over long term - but you may be overdosing the area by putting in more mothballs than are needed. Try removing most of them.

On 2017-05-19 by Morgan

I am using mothballs to get rid of moths, but I really dislike the smell - how long do I need to leave them in my closet in order to ensure that they're gone/dead? I caught the moth problem very early on

On 2017-05-05 by (mod) - could my illness have come from working around mothballs?

Angie,

Ask your doctor if plastic odors or naphtha odors could explain your medical complaints.

If the odor of the plastic didn't dissipate in the time you've had the containers I would get rid of them in any case.

Use the search box just above to search for PLASTIC ODORS to see more.

On 2017-05-05 by Angie

I worked in a home that had moth balls stored in plastic containers, the homeowner didn't want them, I took them and I thought I got rid of the smell, but I opened one today and it smelled of moth balls.

I am concerned now because I've been having health problems, awful headaches and terrible sinus issues.

Thinking back back it all started around the time I brought these containers home. I've had every blood test you can imagine, plus scans, I have an enlarged liver and spleen, could it be from having these containers in my home?

On 2017-04-06 by (mod) - benefits of lime wash to get rid of mothball odor

Thanks, that's interesting.

Usually simply leaving such furniture outdoors in sunlight on a warm dry sunny day will be sufficient to drive out the mothball odor.

I'm surprised that mothball odors would linger on shellaced or varnished wood furniture but those gases might permeate and hang on to upholstered goods or possibly un-finished softwoods.

On 2017-04-06 by Ellie

I purchased two stools for a foyer. They were new but imported and the mothball smell was sickening. I purchased new upholstery fabric and took the chairs to a man who did upholstery and restoration. He did a lime wash of the furniture wood. It was AMAZING!

Of course the new upholstery was fine but there was not once bit of lingering mothball oder. I'm getting ready to see if I can salvage an old 1917 Outdoor Life magazine cover for framing. I'm going to just sift powdered lime over the paper and hope for the best.

It's worthless in it's current condition. Since I can't use a lime wash, I'm just going to let the lime rest on the paper (both sides) in a sunny garage window for a few days and hope for the best.

On 2017-03-14 by (mod) - dog reacted to mothballs tossed on ground under trailer home

If you have removed the mothballs, the odors will dissipate; you can speed the process by both heat and ventilation.

On 2017-03-14 by Alison

Opened and threw boxes under trailor and porches. My dog was freaking out and I realized how bad, pulled out half, didn't help went and collected every one I could find, air out, must have got wet stinks really bad again, am very worried.

On 2017-02-20 by (mod) My landlord put a full box of mothballs with naphthalene in our attic to repeal rodents.

Sabrina

So we have two concerns here, I think:

1. rodents in an attic are a health hazard

2. high levels of naptha may be a respiratory irritant or worse.

It can take months for mothballs to disappear. But there may be a workable alternative:

1. hire a pest control expert to deal with the mice or other rodents, including sealing their entry points, trapping, etc.

2. ventilate the attic, perhaps with a small exhaust fan. You don't need much exhaust, just enough that attic air is at a lower pressure than air in the occupied rooms below - that'll minimize the odors.

On 2017-02-20 by Sabrina - When the heater kicks on, I can smell mothball odor from the vents

My landlord put a full box of mothballs with naphthalene in our attic to repeal rodents. He scattered them throughout the insulation. My husband was able to pull out a bunch but white mothballs in white insulation makes it very hard to locate them. Our landlord will not remove them.

He is attempting to seal up the attic. When the heater kicks on, I can smell the odor from the vents in my 4 yr olds room. We have had the heater turned off for almost a week. I have a 4 yr old, 2 yr old and 7 month old.

Their pediatrician said not to have them around the odor. But my landlord is not going to remove them.

We are staying in a hotel, but with three active kids and two big dogs, it is very cramped. without removing the mothballs, how long until it is safe to return home? I cannot smell anything with the heater off.

My husband says he can, but I don't. It's winter in IL and unseasonably warm, but it's going to get cold again in a few days and we'll need to turn the heat on.

Will the heat/air spread the vapors from the attic to the house? I've read that naphthalene mothballs can take 6 months to dissolve. Can we return to the home safely at six months or before?

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