Can the smell of mothballs harm you?
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Can the smell of mothballs harm you?
The chemicals in mothballs are toxic to humans and pets. People are exposed to the chemicals in mothballs by inhaling the fumes. Extended exposure to mothballs can also cause liver and kidney damage.
What happens when you inhale too much mothballs?
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 …
How long does the smell of mothballs last outside?
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. The mothball smell stays in your home for months or years after dissipating.
Can you use mothballs around the house?
‘ and the answer to this question is yes, potentially. 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.
Can you put mothballs inside your house?
Nor used to control skunks, mice or other pests. Mothballs should not be used inside attics, crawl spaces, gardens, trash cans or vehicles. “Often, mothballs are used in these locations to control pests other than clothes moths,” Stone said.
Are mothballs safe to use outside?
The fumes from mothballs kill clothes moths, their eggs and larvae that eat natural fibers in indoor storage areas, such as closets, attics and basements. Mothballs are not intended to be used outdoors. The active ingredients can contaminate water and soil, harm wildlife, and contribute to air pollution.
How do you get rid of the smell of mothballs in your house?
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.
Is using mothballs outside Illegal?
Using mothballs to repel pests in the garden presents a danger to children, pets and wildlife that visit your garden. 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.
Are mothballs illegal to use outside?
Because mothballs are pesticides, they are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency and use of the products in any manner not in accordance with the product’s label is illegal. Using mothballs outside to repel snakes or to keep animals out of gardens can harm children, pets, or other wildlife.