Is naphthalene balls poisonous to humans?

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 if you swallow a mothball?

If swallowed, it can cause upset stomach and possibly vomiting. The gas released from the mothball can be irritating to the eyes and nose, leading to watery eyes, runny nose and cough.

How much naphthalene is harmful?

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States has established a permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 10 ppm for naphthalene. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) established an immediately dangerous to life or health (IDLH) value of 250 ppm for naphthalene.

Is naphthalene a poison?

Naphthalene mothballs are commonly used in households. It has rarely been an agent of poisoning worldwide [1]. Severe haemolysis from naphthalene poisoning is rare and can be a challenge to clinicians.

What are the side effects of naphthalene?

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 …

When can my baby eat naphthalene balls?

Ingestion of one moth ball can be toxic to a young child, and even lethal if G6PD deficiency is present in that child. A key symptom is jaundice (yellow skin) which can progress to organ damage and death.

Is naphthalene is a drug?

Naphthalene or mothballs, a commonly used substance in households and freely available in the market is an uncommon form of inhalant abuse which may lead to severe medical complications. We report an adolescent with addiction to naphthalene balls who developed severe anemia.

Is naphthalene cancerous?

EPA has classified naphthalene as a Group C, possible human carcinogen.

Is naphthalene ball a drug?

How much mothballs is toxic?

Everyone in the home is exposed to the vapors if moth balls are not used properly. 4000 children per year are exposed to moth balls with over 600 of these cases requiring medical attention. Ingestion of one moth ball can be toxic to a young child, and even lethal if G6PD deficiency is present in that child.

Is naphthalene banned in India?

Mothballs are small balls containing smell of a deodorant and are used for storing clothing and articles susceptible to damage from mold or moth larvae. Though in India, the use of para-dichloro benzene is prohibited as pesticide, however naphthalene mothballs are very commonly available in India.