What is Naphthalene?
This is a chemical made from coal tar or crude oil. It was developed as a pesticide in the 1940’s. It deters cockroaches (but does not kill them). It is not an effective snake repellent.
Is Naphthalene Toxic?
Naphthalene is an incredibly toxic chemical and is poisonous to humans and animals. If you can smell it, then you are inhaling poison.
It should never be ingested. Inhalation over a period of time can also cause big health problems. This includes:
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Haemolytic anaemia or methemoglobinemia, where red blood cells can no long transport oxygen
- Diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
- Kidney and liver damage
- Cancer
- Skin and eye irritation
- Convulsions
Clothing worn after being stored in mothballs can cause anaemia in children and babies.
All effects can happen to adults, children, and animals. However children are more likely to experience more harm and poor long term outcomes.
Never Use Naphthalene or Mothballs
Our advice is to never use toxic naphthalene. It can cause serious harm in the short or long term.
Store clothing in sealed, airtight plastic bags in order to keep them insect-free. Use other forms of pest control.
