HOW SAFE IS IT TO USE NAPHTHALENE/MOTHBALLS

HOW SAFE IS IT TO USE NAPHTHALENE/MOTHBALLS:-

What is naphthalene 

Naphthalene is a chemical that is produced naturally in fossil fuels like coal and oil. It is white in color and has a distinctive odor. Because of this distinctive odor, naphthalene is used to make mothballs and deodorant cakes. 

Why naphthalene is used in mothballs and deodorant cakes? 

Naphthalene balls are used in mothballs or deodorant cakes to keep away moth and other fiber insects. Mothballs are used in wardrobes where clothes like daily wear, pillows, and blankets are kept. The fiber insects may be present inside the wardrobe as they feed on natural fibers like cotton, silk, rayon, or anything that is starched. Deodorant cakes are generally kept in the washroom or urinals to control bacteria and reduce the smell. 

How naphthalene works? 

Mothballs contain naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. Both are toxic as even though they are in solid form, they release toxic fumes. These toxic fumes reach the air and kill the fiber insects or their larvae. 

How safe is the toxic coming out of the Naphthalene balls: 

Naphthalene balls are safe to use as long as a limited amount is used and in the correct way. The correct way is to put few naphthalene balls in an air-tight container and keep the container inside the wardrobe. The fumes will get accumulated inside the container and this will keep the moth away and kill the larvae without contaminating the air. 

Keeping the naphthene balls open in the wardrobe is a common mistake done by many households and this leads to excessive inhalation of the toxic. The toxic coming out of them get in touch with the air which is inhaled by humans and pets and can cause respiratory problems, liver and kidney damage, headache, nausea, abdominal cramps, malaise, and confusion.

Naphthalene balls should never be used around children. The toxic fumes coming out from naphthalene can cause brain damage to infants and children and cause a breakdown of Red Blood Cells with a genetic condition called G6PD deficiency. The Australian government has a regulation that products containing naphthalene are prohibited to be used around children under 3 years of age. This came into effect after a baby’s death and the brain damage of two others.

These mothballs are very dangerous if eaten. So, mothballs must be stored in a place unreachable from children and pets. 

Excessive exposure to naphthalene should always be avoided as it may also cause serious diseases including hemolytic anemia where red blood cells are destroyed and naphthalene is also a possible carcinogen. 

According to studies that are conducted on animals, naphthalene is a potential carcinogen and the toxic coming out of these naphthalene balls can cause cancer. From these studies, the International Agency on Research for Cancer (IARC) of the World Health Organisation (WHO) could conclude that naphthalene could be a possible carcinogen. The U.S. EPA also classified naphthalene as a possible carcinogen based on studies done on animals.  

Some healthy alternatives to Naphthalene balls

👉Lavender sachets can be used in the wardrobes which not only smell good but also keep the moths away. 

👉Cedar chips and blocks also keep moths away and are easily available in the market. 

👉For a natural concoction, mix dried mint, cloves, rosemary, and thyme and put it in a sachet bag, and leave it in the wardrobe for a wonderful aroma as well as a natural way to keep the moths away. 

👉Airtight Containers: Moths are attracted to damp and dirty clothes. So it is advisable to keep the clothes washed, dried and clean and store them in the wardrobe in airtight containers. Airtight containers are easily available in the market specially made to store clothes inside a wardrobe. 

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Conclusion: 

Naphthalene balls or mothballs or deodorant cakes: Any product that contains naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene should be handled very carefully, especially in households that have children around. The common mistake of throwing few naphthalene balls open in the wardrobe should be stopped immediately and should be stored only in an air-tight container as mentioned above. And finally, we can conclude that naphthalene or mothballs are safe to use if used correctly around adults and if we choose not to use naphthalene balls then there are some healthy effective alternatives.

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