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. They are both suspected of causing cancer.
Are mothballs safe to use in the house?
According to the National Pesticide Information Center (NPIC), the chemicals use in mothballs can be toxic to humans and pets and as people are exposed to these chemicals that are released as toxic fumes in the air space of the home.
How long are mothballs toxic?
One mothball in open air takes 3-6 months to dissipate entirely. If you place the mothball underneath clothing or otherwise not in open air, it will take up to 12 months to completely dissipate.
Can smelling 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
What happens if a child eats a mothball?
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.
How do you use mothballs safely?
How to use moth balls safely
Always wear rubber gloves when handling moth balls.Take your clothes out of the moth ball container outside, in a well-ventilated area.When disposing of moth balls, place in a sealed garbage bag.Consider using a face mask if you are going to be in prolonged contact with chemicals.
Where should I put mothballs in my house?
Mothballs must be used in an airtight space, such as a garment bag or well-sealed container, never in an open closet or plastic garbage bag, according to the authors. “Once vapors enter the home, their odor can be detected at a few parts per billion in the air,” Stone said.
Is using mothballs outside Illegal?
Mothballs are insecticides that are controlled by the Environmental Protection Agency. This makes it illegal to use them for any purpose or by any method that isn’t specified on the label.
Can I put mothballs in my closet?
Mothballs must be used in an airtight space, such as a garment bag or well- sealed container. Never place mothballs in an open closet or plastic garbage bag. Once vapors enter the home, their odor can persist for a long time.
What happens to mothballs left in the open?
Mothballs slowly disappear as they turn into gas and mix with the surrounding air. The time it takes a mothball to vaporize depends on many factors, including how many mothballs are present, the amount of air-flow around the mothballs, and the temperature.
Why do I smell mothballs in my house?
Areas with high pollution tend to have a high concentration of naphthalene in the air. Companies that produce ink, dye, coal, tar, preserve wood or tan leathers also use naphthalene to the point where the smell may be noticeable.
What to use instead of mothballs?
Here’s how to get rid of moths naturally without using mothballs.
Always Wash First. Image via Bigstock. Cedar Chips. Cedar chips are a natural moth deterrent and a useful alternative for protecting your closet’s contents from insects. Lavender. Cloves. Airtight Containers. DIY Moth Repellant Spray. Clean Up After Pets.
How do you get rid of mothball fumes?
How to Get Rid of Mothball Smell from the House
Use charcoal. Leave out bowls of vinegar or coffee grounds. Set out a box of baking soda. Get some ventilation in the room. Use cedar chips or cedar balls. Spread zeolite – or household cat litter – on wood and furniture. Mop the floors in the room. Use air fresheners.
Can naphthalene balls cause death?
A number of deaths have been reported following intentional ingestion of naphthalene-containing mothballs (ATSDR, 1990). The estimated lethal dose of naphthalene is 5-15 g for adults and 2-3 g for children. Naphthalene is a primary skin irritant and is acutely irritating to the eyes of humans (Sandmeyer, 1981).
What kind of animals do mothballs keep away?
Mothballs sometimes are used illegally to repel pests not listed on labels. Some of these “off-label pests” include: squirrels, skunks, deer, mice, rats, and snakes, among others animals.
