At 100 °C, camphor mothballs will not melt theoretically , but the other types will. We tested this one time with a camphor mothball and a naphthalene mothball. The camphor mothball did not melt but the naphthalene mothball melted quickly in boiling water.
Do mothballs melt in heat?
Mothballs are made out of a chemical called naphthalene. This chemical dissolves at room temperature overtime and turns into a gas that enters the air. ... Mothballs tend to evaporate faster in more humid and hotter temperatures and less in the cold.
Do moth balls dissolve?
Mothballs in the U.S. contain high concentrations of either naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene
What happens if moth balls get wet?
Wet mothballs are even more potent than dry ones. And the wetness can be profound, like exposure to water from a flood or leaky pipe , or mild, in the form of high humidity. Either will cause the odor to be more potent and sublimation to be more rapid.
Where should you not put mothballs in?
Mothballs should not be used inside attics, crawl spaces, gardens, trash cans or vehicles . Nor used to control skunks, mice or other pests. Mothballs should not be used inside attics, crawl spaces, gardens, trash cans or vehicles.
How long are moth balls effective?
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.
What can dissolve mothballs?
Prepare a solution of vinegar and lemon juice , and then dab this mixture on the areas of clothing that have mothball smell. Let the solution sit for a while before you rinse it off with warm water.
Why would someone put mothballs in their yard?
While mothballs are meant to keep moths away from clothing , wool blankets and similar stored goods, some people have used them to keep animals away from gardens or even out of the attic. ... Mothballs contain chemicals that may be toxic to animals or children who may find them outside.
Can you sleep in a room with mothballs?
‘ 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.
Why are moth balls banned?
Exposure to naphthalene mothballs can cause acute hemolysis (anemia) in people with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. IARC classifies naphthalene as possibly carcinogenic to humans and other animals (see also Group 2B). ... Mothballs containing naphthalene have been banned within the EU since 2008.
Is it illegal to put mothballs outside?
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 .
Can you put mothballs under your house?
Mothballs should not be placed in closets , attics, basements, storage chests or trunks, garment bags or other spaces other than in tightly closed containers as explained above. Gasses from the mothballs escape into the air and can cause respiratory problems.
What kind of animals do mothballs keep away?
4. Mothballs sometimes are used illegally to repel pests not listed on labels. Some of these “off-label pests” include: squirrels, skunks, deer, mice, rats, and snakes , among others animals. Use mothballs pesticide products to control the pests listed on the label only!
Do moth balls last forever?
Generally, most quality mothballs have an expiration date of up to two years while sitting in the bag, unopened. ... While in use, most mothballs can last up to two to three months before beginning to dissolve, dependent on temperature and humidity.
What are the side effects of 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 ...
Why do I keep smelling mothballs?
Bacteria are more likely to thrive and grow when your mouth is dry. Conditions that generate excess mucus in the nasal cavities may cause you to breathe through your mouth, making it dryer than normal. For that reason, having dry mouth can intensify mothball breath.
