What happens if you accidentally eat mothballs?

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.

Are mothballs toxic to eat?

Mothballs can also be dangerous if they are chewed or eaten. Children, pets and wildlife may mistake them for food or candy and eat them. One mothball can cause serious harm if eaten by a small child. If someone has swallowed a mothball, call the Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222 for emergency medical advice.

What happens if you eat camphor balls?

Camphor is UNSAFE in children when taken by mouth. Seizures and death can occur if these products are eaten. Keep camphor-containing products away from children. Liver disease: Taking camphor by mouth or applying it to the skin has been linked to liver damage.

Can mothballs make you sick?

Some of the chemicals in mothballs can cause reversible health effects that include headaches, nausea, eye and nose irritation and coughing. Exposure to naphthalene can cause more serious effects, including hemolytic anemia. Naphthalene is also a possible carcinogen.

Is camphor poisonous to eat?

Camphor is UNSAFE when taken by mouth by adults. Ingesting camphor can cause severe side effects, including death. The first symptoms of camphor toxicity occur quickly (within 5 to 90 minutes), and can include burning of the mouth and throat, nausea, and vomiting.

Has anyone died from mothballs?

The fatal dose for naphthalene in humans is unknown, but as little as one mothball can result in toxicity in children. Deaths have been reported the following ingestion of naphthalene balls.

How do you get camphor out of your body?

Skin and ocular decontamination should be done by flushing with copious amounts of water. Patients with camphor inhalation should be moved to fresh air. Induction of emesis should not be performed. Gastric lavage is not helpful as camphor is rapidly absorbed.

How do you eat edible camphor?

Boil a dash of edible camphor and ajwain seeds in half cup of water. Allow it to reduce to half of the original quantity. Filter the water before drinking it regularly. This concoction will treat various digestive problems.